People v. Alvarez CA5

background information about her romantic relationship with Alvarez, which began when she was 17 years old and Alvarez was 21. As a single mother with a child from a prior relationship, Savannah was charmed by Alvarez’s willingness to be a father figure in her

1 All statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise specified. 2 Throughout this opinion, when we refer to individuals by their first names, we do so not out of disrespect, but to ease the reader’s task.

2. son’s life. She moved in with him sometime around November 2011, shortly before her 18th birthday. The couple’s living arrangements were less than ideal since Alvarez also cohabitated with an ex-girlfriend, Nancy Alvarado (Nancy), and their two small children. With the addition of Savannah and her son, there were three adults and three children living together in a one-bedroom apartment, plus additional occupants whenever Alvarez’s other children came to visit him (he had four children from three separate relationships). Alvarez allowed Savannah to stay with him rent-free and paid for “everything,” including groceries, fuel for her car, and other living expenses. The situation became less appealing after…