People v. Estrada CA2/5

FACTS

A. M.M. and J.R. (Counts 1-3)

On May 25, 2018, at about 7:00 p.m., M.M. was driving on 166th Street with his brother J.R., on their way to their cousin’s house. A car approached the driver’s side and the people in the car yelled things in English that M.M., a Spanish speaker, did

1 All further statutory references are to the Penal Code.

2 not understand. M.M. saw a weapon. He feared for his life, so he drove past his cousin’s house, got onto the freeway, and went to a sheriff’s station. M.M.’s cousin, J.A., was waiting for M.M. and J.R. at his house near Harvard Drive and Gard Avenue. J.A. saw M.M.’s car drive past quickly, followed by a KIA Soul. He heard gunshots, and saw one shot fired from the KIA. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Pedro Cruz responded to the scene. The deputy recovered two .40 caliber bullet casings. Adrian Ahmed, who lived nearby, approached Deputy Cruz and gave him four more .40 caliber bullet casings that he collected from the area. Ahmed had gone outside after hearing gunfire. He found the casings about two blocks from Harvard Drive and Gard Avenue. Deputy Cruz also discovered what appeared to be the plastic encasement from a car…