People v. Vann

Opinion

WRIGHT, C. J.

Defendants appeal from orders granting probation after jury verdicts finding them guilty of receiving stolen property. (Pen. Code, § 496.j They contend, inter alia, that the trial court prejudicially erred when it failed to instruct the jury on the prosecution’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We conclude that the contention is meritorious and reverse the orders.

In July 1970 11 handguns were stolen from the residence of a gun collector during the course of a burglary. The following month Peter Brambini purchased three handguns from a stranger and, in the…