P. v. Hightower
20-year-old defendant Kevin Trumble (Kevin) and 18-year-old defendant Jessica Hightower (Jessica) were frustrated with Jessicas parents disapproval of and interference with their relationship. They conspired to kill Jessicas parents so that they could be together. After collaborating on a plan of attack, Kevin went to Jessicas house in the middle of the night and stabbed Jessicas father in the chest. Jessicas father sustained a flesh wound but was otherwise unharmed. Jessica helped Kevin escape; however, the two were later detained and confessed. The two codefendants were jointly tried in front of separate juries. Each defendant was found guilty of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Jessicas jury found the attempted murder was willful, deliberate, and premeditated. Kevins jury found true the special allegation that Kevin personally used a knife but did not personally inflict great bodily injury. Court reject defendants contentions and affirm the judgment.
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