People v. Rangel CA2/1

INTRODUCTION

The People charged Andrew Rangel and Alfonso Garcia with murdering Freddie Rosas and with being felons in possession of a firearm. The People also alleged firearm use sentencing enhancements against Garcia. A jury found both defendants guilty of second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, and found true the firearm use enhancement allegations. The trial court imposed prison terms on Rangel of 18 years to life, and on Garcia of 62 years and four months to life, including a 25-year term on one of the firearm use enhancements. Both Rangel and Garcia contend we must reverse their convictions because the trial court erred in overruling a defense objection to a peremptory challenge by the prosecutor. Garcia contends the court prejudicially erred when it denied his motion to exclude evidence of incriminating statements he made to an undercover police officer posing as a cellmate. Rangel argues that, if we conclude Garcia’s challenge to the motion to exclude ruling has merit, Rangel’s counsel rendered ineffective assistance by failing to join in that motion. Rangel separately contends that his trial counsel was ineffective for failing to seek redaction of…