People v. Bryant CA5

INTRODUCTION

On July 3, 2012, appellants Samuel Xavier Bryant and Joseph Jamal Hendrix were charged in the murder of Jacob Ramirez and the shooting of Manuel Gomez. Following a jury trial, Bryant was convicted of first degree murder (count 1; Pen. Code,1 § 187, subd. (a)), premeditated attempted murder (count 2; §§ 664/187, subd. (a)), two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm (counts 3 & 4; § 245, subd. (b)), discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling (count 5; § 246), and active participation in a criminal street gang (count 6; § 186.22, subd. (a)). Enhancements under section 12022.53, subdivisions (d) and (e)(1) applied to counts 1 and 2; enhancements under section 12022.7 applied to counts 2, 3, and 4; enhancements under sections 12022.5, subdivision (a) and 186.22, subdivision (b)(1) applied to counts 3 and 4; and an enhancement under section 12022.53, subdivisions (c) and (e)(1) applied to count 5. Bryant, a juvenile, was sentenced to an aggregate term of 82 years to life in prison, and the trial court imposed additional fines and fees. Following that same trial, Hendrix was found guilty of second degree murder (count 1; § 187, subd. (a)), attempted murder…