Garcia

STATEMENT OF THE CASE

A. Trial and Conviction.

In 2012, Garcia was convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and

various financial crimes and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In 2016, we modified the judgment in minor respects but otherwise affirmed. (People v.

Garcia et al. (Aug. 3, 2016, E057519) [nonpub. opn.].)

In 2020, however, the superior court granted Garcia’s unopposed petition for a

writ of habeas corpus and ordered a new trial. On June 30, 2020, the criminal action was

assigned to Judge Villalobos for all purposes.

3 B. Onset of Porphyria Symptoms.

Meanwhile, in prison, Garcia had been diagnosed as having a form of porphyria.

Porphyria is a group of mostly hereditary diseases that impair the production of heme,

causing porphyrins to build up in the blood.

During an attack of porphyria, the skin can become so sensitive to light that

exposure to the sun can cause burning pain and blisters. Other symptoms can include

“severe abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, . . . urinary problems, muscle

weakness, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, seizures, and breathing muscle

paralysis.” (Punctuation…