Solis

Introduction

In a bifurcated trial, a jury first convicted defendant Javier Solis of one count of arson and two counts of making terrorist threats and then found he had suffered a prior conviction within the meaning of the “Three Strikes” law as well as Penal Code section 667, subdivision (a)(1) and had served a prison term for that conviction (§ 667.5, subd. (b)). The trial court sentenced him to state prison for 24 years and eight months.

Defendant raises multiple contentions. He attacks the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain the arson conviction and the finding he suffered the prior conviction. He claims the trial court improperly answered the jury’s questions about the elements of the offense of making terrorist threats and improperly instructed the jury in the second phase of the trial. In regard to sentencing; he advances several arguments as to why section 654 has been violated. Other than one minor sentencing claim about an enhancement imposed for the prior conviction, we reject all of defendant’s contentions.

Factual Background to the Crimes

The victims of the crimes are Heather Amos and Adrienne Garcia. The two women shared an apartment. Garcia had been…