P. v. Serna
Defendant James Christian Serna stabbed the mother of his children to death in their front yard, in full view of multiple witnesses. Thus, the key issue at trial was whether this act constituted first degree murder, second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, or no crime at all because defendant lacked specific intent.
A jury found defendant guilty of first degree murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a)), with an enhancement for personal use of a deadly weapon (Pen. Code, § 12022, subd. (b)(1)). In addition, defendant pleaded guilty to child endangerment. (Pen. Code, § 273a, subd. (a).)[1] As a result, he was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison.
Defendant's sole appellate contention is that his defense counsel rendered constitutionally ineffective assistance in two respects: (1) presenting expert testimony regarding defendant's â€
Comments on P. v. Serna