People v. Pompa CA4/2

FACTS

After 25 years of marriage, Imelda Pompa divorced defendant due to his cocaine addiction and refusal to seek treatment. She moved herself and their four children and granddaughter out of the family home into an apartment. Unless Pompa saw defendant was under influence of drugs, she allowed him to help care for their youngest son. On the morning he committed the charged crimes, defendant threatened Pompa that she would lose her home, kids, and job if she did not allow him into the apartment. When Pompa refused to let him take their youngest son, defendant said that would be the last time she hugged him. Around 10:00 p.m. that evening, defendant returned to Pompa’s apartment complex where Nakita Manai was sitting in her car. Defendant smashed his car into Pompa’s parked car, pinning it against a tree. Manai had never seen defendant or his car before and began driving away. Defendant followed and struck the back of her car. Manai pulled over to the side of the road, thinking she “was just in his way.” But defendant came at her fast and looked like he was going to hit her so she pulled out onto the road and pressed on the gas. Defendant rammed her car two more times. When Manai…