People v. Kittridge CA2/2

BACKGROUND

I. The People’s Case

Around June 6 or 13, 2021, Sunny H. (Sunny)2 booked rooms in multiple hotels for her boss, including three rooms at a Four Seasons hotel (the Four Seasons). On June 25, 2021, Sunny’s boss was arrested. The following day, Sunny began cleaning the vacated rooms with the help of defendant, who Sunny felt was her “closest friend.” An argument erupted when defendant said that he wanted to steal some of her boss’ belongings and Sunny refused. Sunny placed the items from her boss’ rooms in her car and left the Four Seasons. She and defendant continued fighting via text message. Defendant became enraged, cursing Sunny and calling her racial slurs. That night, Sunny agreed to meet defendant at the Four Seasons so that he could retrieve some of his own belongings from her car. Sunny arrived at around midnight on June 27, 2021. Shortly thereafter, a car drove up. Defendant emerged from the passenger seat, and Sunny left her own car to meet him. Defendant ran to Sunny and hugged her tightly, wrapping one arm around the back of her neck to pin her body against him. With his free hand, he drew a knife and stabbed Sunny in the back, saying “Oh really,…