People v. Hill

A jury found defendant guilty of murder in the first degree and fixed the penalty at death. Defendant’s motion for a new trial was denied, and a motion to vacate the order denying a new trial based on newly discovered evidence was also denied. This appeal is automatic. (Pen. Code, § 1239, subd. (b).)

Facts-. Phyllis Jane Black, the victim, and her husband, Richard James Black, lived at 11780 Encino Avenue, Granada Hills, in Los Angeles County. They had been married about two years and were expecting their first child. On August 3, 1966, when Mr. Black returned home from work about 7:10p.m. he…