People v. Harper CA2/8

DISCUSSION

Harper and Lindsey were good friends who belonged to the same street gang in Long Beach, the Rolling 20 Crips. In April 2013, they also happened to be dating sisters Toni Cox and Taquasha Speck. Harper had a young son with Cox while Lindsey had just begun to date Speck. On April 20, 2013, the two couples attended a funeral together. After the funeral, they arrived back at Speck’s house. Harper and Lindsey then left in Speck’s car for a few hours. When they came back, Speck and Lindsey dropped Harper off at his home. Later, Lindsey called Harper, accusing him of taking his PlayStation. Harper believed Lindsey had agreed to let him borrow it. Speck drove Lindsey to a home used by the Rolling 20’s to pick up the PlayStation from Harper. When they arrived, Harper was waiting for them outside. He gave the PlayStation to Lindsey, who exited the car and began to fight with Harper. Lindsey quickly knocked Harper to the ground. Harper then shot Lindsey approximately 14 times when Lindsey attempted to get back in the car.1 Harper was charged with one count of murder under Penal Code2 section 187, subdivision (a) with special allegations that he personally discharged a firearm…