People v. MacHuca

The defendant appeals from a judgment imposing upon him a sentence of death after a conviction of murder of the first degree, and from an order denying his motion for a new trial.

Appellant’s principal point is that the evidence is insufficient, in that it fails to show the premeditation which is an essential element of the first degree of the crime charged. A very brief summary of some of the testimony introduced by the People will show the contention to be without merit.

The appellant was charged with the murder of Mrs. Refuga Yorba. Mrs. Yorba, together with her son John Yarela, and other…