People v. Parejascruz CA4/3

FACTS

A. Charges and Non-Expert Evidence In 2019, then 40-year-old Parejascruz was charged with 10 counts of sexual abuse committed against three children under the age of 14, based on events beginning in 2007.2 At a 2021 trial, three victims—D.G., L.G. and J.M.—testified about his past conduct. D.G., testifying as an adult, claimed that Parejascruz began molesting her when she was four or five years old, while at the home of a babysitter who was related to Parejascruz and resided with him. Similarly, D.G.’s sister, L.G., claimed that Parejascruz molested her years ago, beginning when she was four or five years old. We will sometimes refer to D.G. and L.G. collectively as the sisters.

1 Our factual summary is limited to issues raised in this appeal.

2 The counts alleged violations of the following Penal Code sections (all undesignated statutory references are to this code): 269, subdivision (a)(4) (count 1); 288.7, subdivision (b) (count 2); 288, subdivision (a) (count 3); 288, subdivision (a) (count 4); 269, subdivision (a)(5) (count 5); 288.7, subdivision (b) (count 6); 288.7, subdivision (b) (count 7); 288, subdivision (b)(1) (count 8); 288, subdivision (b)(1) (count 9); and…