People v. Johnson CA5

INTRODUCTION

In 2018, appellant Tatyana Jaihda Marie Johnson fatally struck and killed Andrea Monica Reyes with her automobile. In 2023, following a bench trial, the court found appellant guilty of (1) felony hit-and-run (Veh. Code, § 20001, subd. (b)(2); count 1) and (2) misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter (Pen. Code, § 192, subd. (c)(2); count 2). For the felony, appellant was sentenced to prison for the low term of two years. She received credit for time served for the misdemeanor. Appellant’s counsel filed a Wende1 brief in this court. We have independently reviewed the entire record and, finding no arguable issues, affirm the judgment.

BACKGROUND

Appellant waived her right to a jury trial. The defense presented no evidence, and appellant did not testify. In 2018, appellant was sitting in the driver’s seat of her vehicle with the engine running, parked outside a residence. She began arguing with the victim, Reyes, who was standing nearby.2 While appellant remained in her vehicle, the argument escalated. Approximately six bystanders were present. During the confrontation, Reyes entered appellant’s vehicle through the open passenger-side door. Reyes’s brother pulled her out,…