People v. Barajas CA6

I. BACKGROUND

The facts recounted below are drawn from the evidence presented at trial, viewed in the light most favorable to the verdict. (See People v. Banks (2015) 61 Cal.4th 788, 795.) A. The Relationship Between Barajas and Orozco This case arises out of the relationship between two men, Barajas and Gabriel Orozco, and a woman, Vanessa Flores. In 2014, when the events at issue occurred, Flores had an on-again, off-again relationship with Barajas. She also was partying with and dating Orozco, which created “bad blood” between Barajas and Orozco. B. Relevant Events 1. Orozco’s Vandalism of Barajas’s Car In the afternoon of August 1, 2014, after going to a movie, Orozco and some friends decided to purchase alcohol. On the way, Orozco drove his red Honda onto the street where Barajas lived and spotted Barajas. This upset Barajas, who accused Orozco

1 Subsequent undesignated statutory references are to the Penal Code. 2 of disrespecting him by coming down his street. After yelling at Orozco and throwing rocks at Orozco’s car, Barajas got into his car and chased Orozco for at least 20 minutes. After dropping his friends off, Orozco said that he had to “go handle some business.”…