Salazar

A jury convicted George Manuel Salazar of carjacking. Salazar claims the trial court erred when it permitted the parties to present additional argument after the jury indicated it was having difficulty reaching a verdict. We disagree and affirm the judgment.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL SUMMARY

The Charges

The information charged Salazar and codefendant Pedro Vargas Marquez with (1) carjacking, in violation of Penal Code section 215, subdivision (a), and (2) receiving stolen property (the vehicle), in violation of section 496d, subdivision (a). Marquez also was charged with willful evasion of a police officer, in violation of Vehicle Code section 2800.2. The information also alleged Salazar had suffered a prior strike conviction within the meaning of section 667, subdivisions (b) through (i), and had served two prior prison terms within the meaning of section 667.5, subdivision (b).

The Testimony

The victim, Stephanie Villatoro, drove to the house of her friend, Priscilla Franco, to spend the evening with her. The two were visiting when Salazar and Marquez approached Franco. Marquez lived nearby and Franco apparently was acquainted with him. The four decided to spend some…