David

While driving under the influence of PCP (phencyclidine), appellant Terrance Rene David collided with another vehicle, killing its two occupants. By nonjury trial appellant was convicted of two counts of second degree murder (Pen. Code, §§ 187, 189; People v. Watson (1981) 30 Cal.3d 290 [ 179 Cal.Rptr. 43 , 637 P.2d 279 ]) and was sentenced to concurrent terms of 15 years to life in state prison.

Facts

The Collision

The collision occurred about 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening, Thursday, November 27, 1986. Appellant was first observed by a deputy sheriff as appellant sped southbound at 60 to 70 miles per hour on Avalon Boulevard in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. The posted speed limit was 40 miles per hour. Appellant ran a red light at El Segundo Boulevard. A woman in the crosswalk with two children and a shopping cart hurriedly took evasive action to avoid being hit. The deputy sheriff began pursuit. Appellant continued traveling southbound on Avalon at 60 to 75 miles per hour through a primarily residential area. Appellant ran a red light at 135th Street. Several times he passed slower southbound traffic by swerving over the double-double yellow center…