P. v. Cruz
Defendants appeal from the judgments sending them both to prison for two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole for the gang-related, first degree murders. Defendant contends he was denied a fair trial when the prosecution joined both defendants in a single prosecution, and the trial court failed to sever them. Defendant emphasizes that his defense was that of mistaken identification, whereas his codefendant asserted self-defense and absence of a gang purpose or benefit. Defendant characterizes that those defenses were incompatible with his own. Thus, Defendant concludes his right to due process was violated by the joint trial. Court affirms.
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