The California Supreme Court reversed a judgment of conviction. The court held that a juror’s assessment that the prosecutor had failed to prove her case did not constitute impermissible prejudgment.
Gang members Michael Allen and Cleamon Johnson were charged with two counts of first degree murder, with a special circumstance allegation of multiple murder, following a shooting in which two rival gang members were killed. At their jury trial, the prosecution introduced evidence that Johnson told Allen to kill one of the victims. According to eyewitnesses, Allen then shot both victims as they sat in a parked car.
