People v. Mendoza CA3

BACKGROUND

On January 3, 2021, Charles Kossow, Alexandria Kraft, and a third person introduced as Jarom went to the victim’s home to perform yard work. The victim was 63 years old at the time. At some point, Kossow entered the victim’s home and asked if one of them could use the bathroom. Kraft and Jarom then entered the victim’s home, at which point Kossow started pummeling the victim. When the victim tried to get up, Kraft struck him with a cane, and Jarom also hit him. Together they took the victim to the ground and Kossow tied up the victim’s legs. They repeatedly asked him “Where’s the money?” The victim gave them the keys to his safe and Kossow dragged him to the bedroom. At some point, the victim was able to grab his gun but Kossow, Kraft, and Jarom pounded on his hands to get him to drop it. Kraft stabbed the victim in the hand three times with a broken piece of the cane. The three assailants grabbed cash, an antique watch collection, the victim’s wallet, the gun, a laptop, and a cell phone before leaving. The People charged defendant with robbery in concert (§ 211, 213, subd. (a)(1)(A)) and first degree residential burglary (§ 459). The amended information alleged prior…