People v. Hill CA1/2
Opinion
Opinion
Stewart, J.
L INTRODUCTION
The crimes alleged in this matter arose out of a custody dispute between estranged spouses Rosa Pui Hill and Eric Hill. Appellants Rosa Hill and her mother, Mei Li, appeal from the judgment following their conviction by a jury of the first degree murder of Selma Hill (Eric Hill’s grandmother) and the attempted premeditated murder of Eric Hill. Mei Li was also convicted of first degree burglary of Selma Hill’s residence.
On appeal, Mei Li raises several claims of instructional error. Rosa Hill argues the trial court erred in admitting her pretrial statement and failing to answer a question from the jury during deliberations. She also raises claims of prosecutorial misconduct and ineffective assistance of counsel. Both appellants argue the evidence was insufficient to support the attempted murder conviction and cumulative error. Each appellant joins in the arguments of the other pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 8.200(a)(5). Finding merit to one of Mei Li’s claims of instructional error, we will reverse her conviction for the murder of Selma Hill. We affirm the judgment in all other respects.