People v. Sanchez CA2/2

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. Facts

On a rainy Saturday night in March 2018, defendant and Daniel Sanchez (Daniel) were both working at the Domino’s Pizza in La Puente, California.1 Daniel was an assistant manager; defendant, a delivery driver. For a time prior to that night, defendant had harbored a dislike of Daniel. Defendant thought Daniel was “disrespectful” to him, gave him “attitude,” and had been “picking at [him]” and “pushing [his] buttons.” Defendant’s animosity toward Daniel had been “building up . . . for some time.” That night, Daniel told defendant to go out on his next delivery run while the two stood in the tiny shop’s kitchen area. Defendant ignored him. Daniel told him again. Defendant ignored him again. Daniel told him a third time, raising his voice

Defendant and his victim share the same last name, but are unrelated. To avoid confusion, we use the victim’s first name. We mean no disrespect.

2 slightly to be heard over the “very loud” pizza ovens. The other assistant manager and manager echoed Daniel in telling defendant to deliver the next round of pizzas. After all those requests, defendant made it appear as though he was leaving to…