Opinion
S185447
06-21-2017
ROLDAN (RICARDO) ON H.C.
Reference hearing ordered
THE COURT:
Based on the record in this matter and good cause appearing:
The Honorable Carolyn B. Kuhl, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, shall select a Judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court to sit as a referee in this proceeding and shall promptly notify this court of the referee selected. After appointment by this court, the referee shall promptly schedule a hearing, take evidence and make findings of fact on the following questions regarding the case of People v. Roldan (2005) 35 Cal.4th 646 (Los Angeles County No. PA003868)
1. Was Juror D.H. acquainted with the prosecutor, Craig Richman, at the time of petitioner Roldan's 1992 trial?
2. Did Juror D.H. work with prosecutor Richman in the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in Inglewood?
3. If Juror D.H. was acquainted with prosecutor Richman at the time of petitioner Roldan's 1992 trial, why did she fail to disclose that fact on her juror questionnaire?
4. If Juror D.H. was acquainted with prosecutor Richman at the time of petitioner Roldan's 1992 trial, did that familiarity cause her to be biased in favor of the prosecution?
It is further ordered that the referee prepare and submit to this court a report of the proceedings conducted pursuant to this appointment, of the evidence adduced, and the findings of fact made.
Any requests for discovery in these matters, including respondent's motion for disclosure of trial counsel's files, should be addressed to the referee.