Morelos

People v. Morelos

Bad Law
13 Cal. 5th 722·297 Cal. Rptr. 3d 16·514 P.3d 811
Supreme Court of CaliforniaAugust 11, 2022S051968California24,596 words

Opinion

Opinion

Groban, J.

Opinion of the Court by Groban, J.

Following a bench trial, Valdamir Fred Morelos was convicted of Kurt Anderson’s first degree murder. (Pen. Code,1 § 187.) The trial court found true that Morelos used a firearm in the commission of the murder (§§ 12022.5, subd. (a), 1203.06) and that three special circumstance allegations applied: murder in the commission or attempted commission of robbery (§ 190.2, subd. (a)(17)(A)); murder in the commission or attempted commission of specified sexual acts (sodomy and oral copulation) (§ 190.2, subd. (a)(7)(D), (F)); and intentional murder involving the infliction of torture (§ 190.2, subd. (a)(18)). The trial court further found true two prior serious felony enhancements (§ 667, subd. (a)) and two prior prison term enhancements (§ 667.5). After a penalty phase bench trial, the trial court returned a verdict of death, and imposed that sentence. The court also imposed a consecutive prison term of 15 years, consisting of five years each for the firearm and two prior serious felony enhancements. The sentences for the prior prison terms under section 667.5, subdivisions (a) (three-year enhancement) and (b) (one-year enhancement) were stayed…

Sign in to read the full opinion

Create a free account to read the complete opinion text, citation history, and good-law status for this case.