Frandsen
People v. Frandsen
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Bigelow, J.
*1129 Benjamin Frandsen appeals from a judgment sentencing him to 19 years to life for second degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. He contends his convictions should be reversed because the second degree felony-murder rule is unconstitutionally vague, there was insufficient evidence to support his conviction, and the prosecutor committed misconduct. He also contends the trial court erred when it failed to consider his ability to pay before imposing two assessments and a restitution fine. He further argues the trial court improperly increased the amount of victim restitution. We correct a clerical error in the abstract of judgment, but otherwise affirm the judgment.
FACTS
Frandsen and several others held Benjamin Wertzberger and Adar Ne'eman prisoner at Shane Huang's house on December 2, 2002, because they believed the victims had stolen $ 6,000 worth of marijuana from Huang. Frandsen and Huang were the only ones in the house with Wertzberger and Ne'eman when they were killed on December 2 or 3. Their bodies were found buried in the desert months later. The testimony from eyewitnesses and from Frandsen himself regarding the events leading up to the killings are loosely…