In re Alexander M. CA5

INTRODUCTION

The People allege Alexander M. (appellant) and two other subjects armed themselves with knives, chased the victim through an apartment complex and stabbed him 16 times, killing him. Based on these allegations, the Merced County District Attorney’s Office filed a juvenile wardship petition alleging appellant committed murder (Pen. Code, § 187, subd. (a)). The juvenile court granted the People’s motion to transfer appellant to a court of criminal jurisdiction pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 707, subdivision (a)(1).1 This appeal is taken from the transfer order. (See § 801, subd. (a).) We reject appellant’s arguments that the court’s findings were not supported by substantial evidence or that the court otherwise abused its discretion in ordering transfer. We affirm.

BACKGROUND

I. Factual Allegations.

The alleged offense occurred when appellant was approximately 17 years and nine months of age. On December 21, 2022, at approximately 1:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment complex for a report of an active fight involving five to 10 people. Upon arrival, officers discovered Jordan Love (the victim), on the ground near a walkway behind…