People v. Espinoza

Opinion

KENNARD, J.

This is an automatic appeal from a judgment of death. (Pen. Code, § 1239, subd. (b); unless otherwise indicated all further statutory references are to the Penal Code.)

A jury convicted defendant Antonio Espinoza of these offenses: the first degree murders of Rayna R. and Nancy R. (§ 187); two counts (one as to each victim) of lewd and lascivious conduct by force with a child under the age of fourteen (§ 288, subd. (b)); and, with respect to Nancy R., one count of forcible rape (§261, subd. (a)(2)) and one count of unlawful sexual intercourse (§ 261.5). The jury found to be…