Solomon

A jury convicted defendant Morris Solomon, Jr., of four counts of first degree murder and two counts of second degree murder, and found true a multiple-murder special-circumstance allegation. It also found him guilty of sexually assaulting two other victims. On retrial following jury deadlock at the first penalty trial, a second jury returned a verdict of death. This appeal is automatic. We affirm the judgment.

I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

The facts are summarized here for background purposes. Further details and procedural matters are discussed in connection with defendant’s specific contentions.

A. Guilt Phase: Overview of Prosecution’s Case

In the 10 months between June 1986 and April 1987, Sacramento police discovered the bodies of seven local prostitutes. All but one were found at homes where defendant had worked or resided. More than half were buried in shallow, backyard graves. Nearly all of the women had been bound, two were gagged, and four were nude or partially clad from the waist down. All were drug users.

After defendant’s arrest for the murders, three prostitutes reported to police that defendant had sexually assaulted them. One had been bound and…