People v. Williams

John Christopher Williams entered a negotiated plea of guilty to three counts of soliciting murder (Pen. Code, § 653f, subd. (b)) and one count of burglary (§ 459). Williams admitted the burglary was of an inhabited dwelling and that he took property worth in excess of $25,000. (§ 12022.6, subd. (a).) The court sentenced Williams to serve nine years in prison: the middle term of four years for burglary enhanced by one year for taking property worth over $25,000 and three consecutive terms of one year and four months each (one-third the middle term) for three counts of soliciting murder. Williams appeals.

As Williams pleaded guilty, the facts are drawn from the probation report.

Around January 16, 1985, Williams entered the residence of his in-laws without their permission or knowledge. He removed $100,000 in jewels belonging to his wife’s parents. He took the jewels with the intent to use them to pay someone to kill his in-laws.

During May 1986 Williams asked a coworker to help him hire a hit man. Williams said “I want three certain individuals put out of their misery, I must have them completely out of my life before I get a year older.” Williams added he deserved all…