Liu

Tom Cheng Hsang Liu appeals from jury convictions for conspiracy to commit murder and kidnapping for ransom. (Pen. Code, §§ 182, subd. (a)(1), 187, subd. (a), 209.) Appellant contends we must reverse because there was insufficient evidence to support the verdict, and because the trial court erred in denying his challenge of a prospective juror for cause, in giving improper jury instructions, and in sentencing. We stay part of appellant’s sentence under section 654. In all other respects, we affirm the judgment.

I. Factual and Procedural Background

In April and May 1992, agents of the Department of Justice and San Francisco Police Department sought appellant’s assistance in their investigation of a gambling club in Emeryville. As part of the investigation, the agents showed appellant the diary of Teng Wei, one of the owners of the club. From the diary appellant learned that Wei had arranged to force appellant out of his job at the Casino Royale Card Club in San Bruno in 1988 as part of Wei’s attempt to purchase that club. This information in the diary angered appellant.

In June 1992, appellant met with Hiroshi Hirashima, an old friend and business partner. Appellant…