P. v. Ordaz
In separate gang-related incidents on the same day, defendant Ivan Ordaz shot and killed 19-year-old Tomas Melero-Smith, and with others shot at and killed 22-year-old Allan Mejia. Ordaz admitted shooting at Mejia and Melero-Smith because he thought they were rival gang members (he was mistaken), but argued to a jury that the killings were voluntary manslaughter because he acted in unreasonable self-defense. The jury found Ordaz guilty of second degree murder of Mejia, first degree murder of Melero-Smith, and related offenses. Enhancements and special circumstances were found true. He was sentenced to multiple prison terms including life without the possibility of parole.
Ordaz contends that the judgment must be reversed in whole or in part because of evidentiary and instructional errors, and prosecutorial misconduct. He also challenges portions of his sentence. We modify the sentence but otherwise affirm the judgment.
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