X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

The appellant, Manuel Escobar, appeals from his convictions for the murder of Javier Olazaba; for the armed robbery of Olazaba, Francisco Trejo, and Jose Guardado; and for the possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.1 On appeal, Escobar contends, among other things, that the trial court erred in permitting Trejo and Guardado to testify about their out-of-court and in-court identifications of Escobar. We conclude, however, that the trial court did not err in failing to suppress the identifications. Because the other issues raised by Escobar are either procedurally barred or without merit, we affirm his convictions. 1. The evidence would have authorized a rational trier of fact to find that Escobar and two companions went to a local brothel for the purpose of robbing people that they found there, and that, in the process of robbing Olazaba, Trejo, and Guardado, Escobar and his companions shot the three victims, killing Olazaba. Trejo and Guardado survived their injuries, and testified against Escobar at trial. Guardado testified that, when he arrived at the brothel, he sat on a sofa in a waiting room. He added that Trejo and Olazaba were there, and that, about five minutes after he arrived, Escobar and two companions arrived. Guardado testified that Escobar and his companions, who were not wearing masks, sat in the waiting room for about five minutes before they pulled out guns and told everyone to lie face down on the floor. Guardado added that one of the handguns had a laser on it, that Escobar had that gun, and that Escobar did most of the talking for the assailants. After the assailants took the victim’s wallets, the assailants shot the victims. Trejo gave testimony substantially similar to that given by Guardado.

When the police subsequently searched Escobar’s apartment, they discovered a .380 caliber pistol with an attached laser sight. A state firearm’s expert testified that a .380 caliber shell casing found at the crime scene was fired from the pistol found in Escobar’s apartment. The firearm’s expert also testified that a bullet extracted from Olazaba’s head was possibly fired from Escobar’s pistol, but that the bullet had been too badly damaged to state with 100 certainty that there was a match.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
October 15, 2024
Los Angeles, CA

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers & financiers at THE MULTIFAMILY EVENT OF THE YEAR!


Learn More
October 15, 2024
Los Angeles, CA

Law.com celebrates the California law firms and legal departments driving the state's dynamic legal landscape.


Learn More
October 15, 2024
Dallas, TX

The Texas Lawyer honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Texas.


Learn More

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independ...


Apply Now ›

When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong team that operates with the highest standards of independ...


Apply Now ›

CAREER OPPORTUNITYUNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT - USDC-CT 24-14 POSITION: Pro Se Law Clerk OPENI...


Apply Now ›