Clay

Defendants below Larry Clay, Tommy Hart, Bobby Varner, and Frank White appeal on numerous grounds their criminal convictions on multiple counts, as shall appear more particularly below.

The convictions arise from a series of shocking atrocities which may be summarized as follows.

On June 3, 1980, Paula H. resided in a multistory flat on Union and Fillmore Streets in San Francisco. She operated an astrology practice from an office on the ground floor and rented rooms on the upper floors.

At 3:45 in the afternoon two men, subsequently identified as appellants Clay and Hart, rang Mrs. H.’s doorbell and stated they were interested in a room which was advertised for rent. Mrs. H. was alone in the apartment at the time. She showed the room to the two men, then took them to her husband’s office to show them a rental agreement. After looking over the agreement, Clay said that he wanted to see the room again. As Mrs. H. stood up, Clay pulled a gun and held it to her head. Clay asked for money, whereupon Mrs. H. pointed to a drawer. Hart rummaged through the drawer and removed some money. Clay then demanded more money. Mrs. H. directed them to a cash box, from which Hart removed…