People v. Weatherton

Opinion

CORRIGAN, J.

A jury convicted defendant Fred Lewis Weatherton of robbery, attempted murder, and two counts of first degree murder with special circumstances, then returned a verdict of death. Because juror misconduct during the guilt phase raises a substantial likelihood of actual bias, we reverse the judgment.

I. FACTS

In light of our conclusion, we summarize the relevant facts.

On the afternoon of Halloween 1998, defendant, Ernest Hunt, Nelva Bell, her roommate Connie Olivolo, Samuel Ortiz, Latonya Roberson, and her one-year-old son convened at Hunt’s home in Indio. The adults shared…