Filed 6/24/16 P. v. Walters CA4/1
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COURT OF APPEAL, FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION ONE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
THE PEOPLE, D069197
Plaintiff and Respondent,
v. (Super. Ct. No. SCD260844)
VINCENT L. WALTERS,
Defendant and Appellant.
APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of San Diego County, Frederic L.
Link, Judge. Affirmed.
Richard L. Fitzer, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and
Appellant.
No appearance for Plaintiff and Respondent.
Vincent L. Walters appeals a judgment following his guilty plea to one count of
murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a)) and two counts of kidnapping for ransom (§ 209,
subd. (a)).
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
In April 2015, an information charged Walters with one count of conspiracy to
commit kidnapping for ransom (§ 182, subd. (a)(1)), three counts of kidnapping for
ransom (§ 209, subd. (a)), and one count of murder (§ 187, subd. (a)). It also alleged that,
in committing the three kidnapping-for-ransom offenses, he was armed with a firearm
(§ 12022, subd. (a)(1)).
In October, pursuant to a plea agreement, Walters pleaded guilty to the first degree
murder of Kristine Reyes (§ 187, subd. (a)) (count 5) and the kidnapping for ransom of
Michael Provencio and Danny Johnson (§ 209, subd. (a)) (counts 2 & 3). His plea form
stated that he was induced to plead guilty by the stipulated total prison term of 32 years to
life in prison and dismissal of the remainder of the counts and allegations. As part of his
guilty plea, Walters waived his right to appeal that stipulated sentence. The trial court
questioned Walters regarding the plea agreement and waiver of his constitutional rights,
found a factual basis for his plea, and accepted his guilty plea and admissions. Walters
admitted he willfully murdered Reyes with premeditation and deliberation and he
kidnapped for ransom Michael Provencio and Danny Johnson. The court dismissed the
remainder of the counts and allegations against him. At sentencing, the court imposed
the stipulated total sentence of 32 years to life in prison.
Walters timely filed a notice of appeal. The trial court denied his request for a
certificate of probable cause.
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DISCUSSION
Walters's appointed counsel has filed a brief summarizing the facts and
proceedings below. Counsel presents no argument for reversal of the judgment, but asks
this court to review the record for error as mandated by People v. Wende (1979) 25
Cal.3d 436 and Anders v. California (1967) 386 U.S. 738. To assist our review, counsel
cites Anders v. California and refers to whether Walters's plea was voluntary and whether
counsel provided effective assistance.
We granted Walters permission to file a supplemental brief on his own behalf, but
he has not responded. A review of the record pursuant to People v. Wende, supra, 25
Cal.3d 436 and Anders v. California, supra, 386 U.S. 738 has disclosed no reasonably
arguable appellate issues. Walters has been competently represented by counsel on this
appeal.
DISPOSITION
The judgment is affirmed.
McDONALD, Acting P. J.
WE CONCUR:
O'ROURKE, J.
Prager, J.*
* Judge of the San Diego Superior Court, assigned by the Chief Justice pursuant to
article VI, section 6 of the California Constitution.
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