United States v. Dennis Cyrus, Jr.

MEMORANDUM

Dennis Cyrus (“Cyrus”) appeals his jury trial conviction and life sentence arising out of a series of San Francisco area murders. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 , and we affirm.

Cyrus was found to have: participated in a racketeering influenced and corrupt organization through his membership in the Page Street Gang; possessed drugs with intent to distribute and with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility; conspired to distribute fifty grams or more of crack cocaine; murdered Randy Mitchell and Raymond Jim-merson; kidnapped and murdered Joseph Hearns; assaulted and attempted to murder Marcus Atkinson as violent crimes in aid of racketeering (“VICAR”); murdered Raymond Jimmerson to prevent his future cooperation with federal law enforcement or involvement in court proceedings; murdered Raymond Jimmerson in retaliation for his previous cooperation with federal law enforcement and testimony in front of a federal grand jury; and used firearms during the commission of the three murders and the attempted murder.

Reviewed for abuse of discretion, the admission of the testimony of San Francisco Police Officer Brian Peagler as an…