People v. Busch CA1/5

BACKGROUND

Busch was convicted of first degree murder (§ 187) and sentenced to prison for 25 years to life. He was released on lifetime parole on July 18, 2019. On September 5, 2023, the Division of Adult Parole Operations of CDCR filed a petition to revoke Busch’s parole. The petition alleged that Busch violated the conditions of his parole by committing assault with a deadly weapon, a vehicle (§ 245), and making criminal threats (§ 422). At the hearing on the petition, the victim, a police officer, and Busch’s parole agent testified on behalf of the People. The victim, who understood “a little bit of English,”2 testified that he was getting gas at a Tower Mart on July 18, 2023, when Busch pulled up behind him in his truck. Busch left his truck to put some garbage in a trash can next to the gas pump that the victim was using. According to the victim, Busch looked at him in an “unfriendly” manner. After he finished pumping gas, the victim testified that he got into his car and began looking for his keys. He then felt something hit his car from behind. He got out and accused Busch of hitting his car. Busch responded, “ ‘Yes, I hit you. And I’m ready to hit you again if you don’t…