People v. Young CA3

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Seventy-four-year-old Sharon Thompson and her 78-year-old husband Paul Thompson lived by themselves in their home in Bishop. In spring 2012, Sharon Thompson hired defendant to do housecleaning. Defendant cleaned the Thompson home every two weeks. She cleaned the home for about two hours and was not supervised. Sharon Thompson owned a gold plumeria ring set with small diamonds and a Swiss Bucherer pendant watch on a 32-inch gold chain, storing them in a special spot in the master bedroom. She wore the jewelry to church on January 20, 2013. The next day, she noticed that they and a kangaroo charm on a gold rope chain were missing. Paul Thompson noticed his gold Southern California Edison 35-years-of-service ring was also missing. Defendant cleaned the Thompson home on January 21, 2013. While cleaning the house, defendant went to her car at least once. Sharon Thompson had bought over 20 pieces of gold jewelry. She purchased the plumeria ring in Hawaii for $630. She estimated the value of the kangaroo charm and gold chain to be around $600. She had bought the watch and chain in Switzerland, and estimated its value at $1,200. Paul Thompson, who collected gold…