P. v. Campbell
Defendant James William Campbell killed his girlfriends brother-in-law by striking him multiple times in the head and neck with an ax. A jury convicted defendant of first degree murder by means of a dangerous weapon. (Pen. Code, 187; 12022, subd. (b)(1).) The jury also determined defendant was sane at the time of the offense. The trial court sentenced defendant to state prison for 26 years to life.
Defendant appeals, raising the following claims of prejudicial error: (1) The courts instructions on murder improperly eliminated the differences between the degrees of murder and failed to inform the jury that defendants mental state defense may negate the elements of premeditation and deliberation; (2) defense counsel rendered ineffective assistance by (a) not requesting a pinpoint instruction based on defendants subjective delusion that the victim was molesting his own children, and (b) not requesting a limiting instruction on prior bad act evidence; (3) the trial court erred by limiting evidence showing defendant believed the victim was molesting his children; and (4) these errors created cumulative error requiring reversal.
Court affirm the judgment.
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