People v. Foster CA3

BACKGROUND

Defendant, Martin Lee Foster, and Shalayne Brazil were in a long-term relationship. In August 2012, Shalayne was moving and her brother, Aaron, his girlfriend, Annelise, and their father, Joseph, were helping her clean her house. Shalayne and defendant went to Shalayne’s parent’s home. Aaron and Annelise arrived later and saw defendant and Shalayne leaving the home. Aaron saw “shaking” movement inside Shalayne’s car. Shalayne got out of the car and ran towards Aaron, screaming for Aaron to save her. Aaron and Annelise got out of their car. Defendant got out of Shalayne’s car. Defendant tried to convince Shalayne to get back in her car. Instead, she got into Aaron’s car. Defendant followed her and Aaron placed himself between them. Defendant got into Aaron’s car on the driver’s side. Ultimately, everyone eventually got out of Aaron’s car without any contact. Defendant started to get into Shalayne’s car and Shalayne yelled for Aaron not to allow defendant to steal her car. Aaron approached the car and twice told defendant to get out of Shalayne’s car. After some posturing between the men, defendant punched Aaron very hard in the face, on the left side of his nose and…