People v. Jones CA1/2

BACKGROUND

We provide a brief version of the facts here and additional factual and procedural details in the discussion of Jones’s specific claims. I. Prosecution Case In January 2015, Jessica Williams lived in a house in Richmond with her boyfriend Manuel Benitez, eight-year-old son John Doe, and five-month- old daughter; Williams’s sister and nephew also lived at the house. Benitez grew marijuana in the backyard. Benitez had known Jones since childhood.

1 Williams first met Jones, who was introduced to her as “Rob,” in January 2015 or possibly in December 2014, when he visited for three days and slept on her couch. She knew him as “Rob,” Benitez’s childhood friend. Williams and Jones got along well during his stay; they watched television, and ate breakfast, lunch and dinner together. Jones and Williams “listened to some music that he—rapped.” He left on good terms, thanking Williams for her hospitality. Williams next saw Jones in late March 2015, when he visited in the early morning hours and spoke with Benitez. After speaking with Jones, Benitez’s mood was “normal.” Williams did not see Jones again until April 8, 2015. On April 8, 2015, around 10:00 p.m., Williams, who was…