People v. Deeney

Opinion

LEWIS, J. *

A jury convicted Edward John Deeney of involuntary manslaughter (Pen. Code, § 192, subd. 2) in the death of June Deeney. He appeals claiming the court improperly admitted hearsay declarations and evidence that Deeney previously abused June. In addition, he asserts the court erred in its instructions to the jury on circumstantial evidence.

The Deeneys had a turbulent relationship which frequently erupted into heated arguments. Both Deeney and his wife June were often intoxicated on these occasions. On the evening before June died neighbors called the police, reporting a loud…