People v. Wade

Opinion

LUCAS, C. J.

Defendant Melvin Meffery Wade appeals from a judgment imposing the death penalty following his conviction of first degree murder *981(Pen. Code, § 187; all further statutory references are to this code unless otherwise indicated), accompanied by two special circumstances findings (§ 190.2, subds. (a)(14) [murder especially heinous and cruel], (a)(18) [torture murder]). The appeal is automatic (§ 1239, subd. (b).) As will appear, although we must set aside one of the special circumstance findings, we nonetheless affirm the judgment of death.

I. Facts

A. Procedural History

Trial…