People v. Coelho CA3

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Because the conviction is based on a plea, we take the facts from the probation report. On November 2, 2011, defendant entered the home of his ex-girlfriend Mary Hopper by cutting a hole in the wall. When she arrived home, defendant tackled her to the floor and “tased” her with a taser. She did not see the taser but felt it. Defendant handcuffed the victim to him. She tried to calm him down with small talk. They took her dog out back to relieve itself. Defendant said he would kill Hopper if she screamed. He could not stand it anymore and wanted to kill himself. Back inside the house, the victim asked defendant to remove the handcuffs, and he did. The victim thought defendant was experiencing heart problems and told him to take his “nitro” pills. He said he was afraid she would call the police if he let her go. She said she would not call the police. She was very frightened. She told defendant she was not feeling well and asked if she could drive defendant to his car. He agreed but first retrieved a piece of rope with attached plastic handcuffs and said he was going to hog-tie her so she would be present when he killed himself. The victim said she was scared.…