People v. Swanson CA3

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. Prosecution’s case

1. Events leading up to the murder

Lea R. lived with defendant’s grandparents, Pete and Belinda S., as a caregiver. She cared for 76-year-old Belinda. Belinda suffered from Alzheimer’s and other health issues and was bedridden. Lea moved in to help 78-year-old Pete take care of her. Defendant moved into his grandparents’ home in November 2019. Lea and defendant got along well when he first moved in, and there were a lot of good days leading up to March 2020. But Pete and defendant would argue sometimes. At one point, Pete asked defendant to move out to the boat in back so he would not disturb his grandmother if he was loud coming in and out. Lea was aware that defendant was being treated for his mental health. She heard him say that people in the attic, on the roof, or in cars driving by were taking food out of his stomach. He incorrectly believed Lea poisoned food she prepared, and he refused to eat it. He would eat only food that he bought. He said he had air bubbles in his stomach from the poison, and he would throw up everything he ate because he thought he was being poisoned. He occasionally yelled at cars going…