People v. Ornelas CA4/3

I.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On July 5, 2018, at about 2:30 p.m., Miguel A. (Miguel) drove a Nissan Altima car to a La Habra park. In the front passenger seat was Janelle G. (Janelle). In the rear passenger seat were two teenage boys, Miguel’s son Michael A. (Michael), and Jason R. (Jason). The park was located within the territory of the West Side La Habra criminal street gang. Miguel, Michael, and Jason were members of Monos, a rival gang. Prior to the group’s arrival at the park, West Side La Habra gang member Ornelas was seen on a bicycle “patrolling the area.” Michael and Jason got out of the car while Miguel and Janelle stayed in the car. As the two teenage boys were drinking cans of beer in the park, Ornelas got off of his bicycle and quickly approached them on foot.

2 After words were exchanged, the boys started walking back to the car. Ornelas pulled a handgun out of his waistband, cocked it, and pointed it at the two boys. Michael and Jason ran back towards the car, calling out for Miguel, who jumped out of the car. Ornelas got within about 17 feet of the boys and started shooting his handgun at them about four or five times. When the shooting stopped, Miguel…