People v. Syharath CA4/3

FACTS

In April 2011, Huynh and Syharath, who had dated for about two years, lived together in a converted garage in Westminster. On her way home from work one day, Huynh bought wine coolers to share with Syharath. They drank, and at some point they argued over domestic issues. Syharath hit Huynh with a closed fist, including one time on the face. When Huynh tried to leave, Syharath grabbed a knife from a box and stabbed Huynh four times, once in the hip and three times under the right breast. They continued to argue as Huynh bled, and Syharath began to cry. Syharath grabbed Huynh’s keys and drove away in her sports utility vehicle (SUV). Huynh went to the hospital. Westminster Police Officer Stewart Dejong interviewed Huynh at the hospital. Dejong saw scratch marks and redness around Huynh’s neck, and the four lacerations, which had been sutured. Huynh was uncooperative and hesitant to speak with Dejong. Huynh told him that she had met an old acquaintance named “Dreamer” in Mile Square Park and he stabbed her. She refused to answer additional questions. Based on her statements, Dejong concluded the stabbing occurred outside of the Westminster Police Department’s jurisdiction.

2…