People v. Johnson CA2/8

FACTS AND PROCEDURE

1. Defendant Was Convicted of One Count of Robbery During the night of November 15, 2013, 19-year old defendant was with three companions—Tre McGhee (also known as Lionel Hunt), Aaron C., and K.H. The four demanded money from several pedestrians. K.H. brandished a gun, which appeared real but was actually a toy. Defendant and all of the victims believed it was real when K.H. brandished it. Defendant learned the gun was not real only after he was arrested. At trial, defendant admitted that he was present while his companions tried to rob several people. Defendant admitted that prior to accompanying them, he heard the others talk about committing robberies and knew someone had a gun. He testified he went along with the others to “make sure they were okay, that they wouldn’t hurt anybody.” He testified he tried to discourage the others from committing the robberies. Hans Kohansion, one of the victims, was walking with his wife in Beverly Hills about 9:30 p.m. on November 15, 2013. A group of people including defendant surrounded them. K.H. pointed his gun at Kohansion while demanding that Kohansion “empty [his] pockets.” K.H.—whose face was covered—stood about…