People v. Burnett CA4/3

FACTS

In July 2023, Burnett and a female companion drove to a sober living facility in Anaheim where Jones was living. A witness testified that the female told Burnett that Jones had recently drugged her, held her against her will, and sexually assaulted her. When Burnett arrived, a resident inside the house told Jones the female was making allegations about him; Jones then ran outside. Once outside, Jones yelled at the female and hit her. Burnett intervened and then Jones and Burnett started fighting. Jones

2 stopped the fight and said, “‘Not in front of my house. Go down the street.’” Jones went into the house briefly but then followed behind Burnett who was already walking down the street. A video introduced at trial shows “Burnett’s right hand remained in his pocket as he was walking.” The witness testified as the two walked, Jones charged Burnett and punched him while Burnett was not looking. Burnett then proceeded to hit Jones five or six times in an uppercut fashion; the motion appeared as if he was using a knife. After about 15 or 20 seconds, Jones backed away, said he was done, and started walking back to the sober living home. Burnett watched Jones walk away holding…