People v. Vernon

Opinion

REGAN, J.

Defendants Vernon and Cornier, jointly charged with but separately tried by jury for the murder of Leroy McLaughlin, were each found guilty of the lesser included offense of voluntary manslaughter. (Pen. Code, § 192, subd. (1).) Their cases were consolidated on appeal.

In August 1977, defendant Vernon was living outdoors in the park, known as Memorial Park in Susanville, Lassen County. The victim was Leroy (Sarge) McLaughlin, who frequented the park, visited and drank wine with Vernon. On August 27, 1977, Vernon, McLaughlin, Erwin Buff, Denver Hoaglen and defendant Juan Cornier…