People v. Johnson CA2/2
Opinion
Opinion
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
I. Facts
In March 2012, defendant’s girlfriend drove him to a strip mall in Lancaster, California, so he could rob a computer store in that mall. She was to be his getaway driver. As she waited in the parking lot, defendant entered a computer store called E- Chaps. When he entered the store, he pulled a ski mask down over his face and trained a gun on the store’s owner and one of the owner’s friends. He announced, “This is a robbery” and ordered both men to the floor. The friend complied; the store owner argued with defendant. Defendant warned that he would shoot the owner if he did not drop to the floor. When the owner still did not comply, defendant shot him twice; said, “You didn’t think I’d shoot you, did you?”; and shot him two more times. Defendant took the friend’s car keys and cell phone, and told him, “Now I have to kill you, too. I can’t leave a witness.” However, while defendant was busy placing laptop computers into his backpack and suitcase, the friend dashed for the front door and got away. Defendant ran back to his girlfriend’s waiting car, and yelled for her to “drive.” They sped away.