People v. Van Ronk

Opinion

SPARKS, J.

In this appeal we consider whether attempted voluntary manslaughter is such a logical and legal absurdity that it cannot exist as a crime. We conclude that it is not an absurdity and consequently reaffirm that it constitutes a crime in California.

Defendant Joseph Edward Van Ronk was convicted by a jury of attempted voluntary manslaughter (Pen. Code, §§ 192, subd. 1/664), a lesser included offense within the charge of attempted murder (Pen. Code, §§ 187/664). The jury further found that defendant personally used a firearm in the commission of the offense (Pen. Code, §…