Juan H. v. Walter Allen III

Petitioner Juan H. appeals the United States District Court decision denying a wrif of habeas corpus. He argues that his California juvenile delinquency petition for first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder was sustained in violation of: 1) Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 , 86 S.Ct. 1602 , 16 L.Ed.2d 694 (1966); 2) the Fifth Amendment prohibition on the use of involuntary or coerced statements; and 3) the Fourteenth Amendment due process right to be convicted by evidence that proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The district court denied the writ. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2253 . We reverse the judgment of the district court and remand with instructions to grant the writ of habeas corpus.

I

This ease arises from a gang-related shooting death that occurred in Salinas, California on March 24,1999.

Some background facts before that fateful day assist our understanding. Fifteen-year-old Juan H., his brother Felix Meren-don, and other members of their family lived in the same Salinas trailer park as Luis Ramirez and Sylvester Magdelano. Juan H. and his family associated with the Sure# DB# o gang, and Ramirez, Magde-lano and other park residents…