People v. Bassett CA3

FACTS

Evidence at the First Trial The Shooting On the evening of April 18, 2009, a group of longtime friends in their 20’s, including Stephen Benetti, Michael Escarcega, and Justin Hughes, met at Jeremy Sleeper’s house in Elk Grove, as they did most weekends. The friends were drinking and playing pool, and a NASCAR race was on the television. Also there that night was a neighbor, Rocky Arroyo, and his friend Brian McDaniel. No one in this group was affiliated with a gang. McDaniel’s girlfriend, Roshien Besa, arrived with her friend Tamara Bassett. Bassett did not know anyone at the gathering except Besa. Bassett talked with another

1 There were two trials. Each trial used only one jury for both defendants. The first jury found Vigel guilty on some counts and failed to reach verdicts on others, including all counts charging Bassett. The second jury found both defendants guilty of all counts remaining before it.

2 woman about people they knew in Oak Park. Bassett mentioned her boyfriend was in a gang. After drinking too much, Besa threw up in the bathroom. McDaniel was angry and they argued. Bassett got mad at McDaniel and told him not to call Besa a “bitch.” McDaniel told…