People v. Hampton CA2/5

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. The Underlying Crime

On July 14, 2022, defendant and Qunshone Harris approached Eric Brannon as he was walking through the parking lot toward the South Bay Pavilion Mall. Defendant and Harris asked Brannon if he was affiliated with any street gang; Brannon said no. After Brannon entered the mall, defendant and Harris again approached him and demanded that Brannon give them his belongings. As Brannon turned to leave the mall, either defendant or Harris approached Brannon from behind, grabbed him by his shirt collar, and pushed him to the ground, in the process ripping Brannon’s shirt and yanking off one of his necklaces. When Brannon got back up, defendant threw the first punch. A fistfight ensued, and Brannon ended up back on the ground. Defendant and Harris searched Brannon’s pockets, taking his wallet and iPhone; they also yanked off his remaining

All further statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise indicated.

2 two necklaces. Defendant and Harris fled with Brannon’s belongings.

II. Charges

The People charged defendant with second degree robbery (§ 211), and further alleged the aggravating circumstance that…