In re A.T. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

1. The Circumstances Resulting in a Sustained Welfare and Institutions Code Section

602 Petition Allegation of First Degree Murder2

In July 2016, minor, who was just two months shy of his 18th birthday, made

plans to steal marijuana from the victim. He enlisted the participation of Cesar E., who

agreed to accompany minor as a backup. Minor drove Cesar’s Suzuki XL7 (SUV) to the

victim’s home, with Cesar in the front passenger seat. When the victim passed a bag of

marijuana through the passenger side window, he reached over Cesar and handed the

merchandise directly to minor, minor grabbed the bag out of the victim’s hand and hit the

gas. The acceleration caused the victim to fall from the SUV, which then ran the victim

over, causing his death.

Minor was detained and the district attorney filed a Welfare and Institutions Code

section 602 petition alleging minor committed first degree murder in violation of section

187. Minor admitted the allegation. The juvenile court declared him a ward and

sentenced him to a term of 25 years to life.

All further statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise indicated.

We have taken judicial…