People v. Paulson CA1/1

I.

BACKGROUND

A. Factual Background Defendant and the victim, Steve Gagnon, were longtime friends who saw each other on a regular basis. On April 2, 2017, defendant and Gagnon planned to meet at Gagnon’s house to watch a television show. Gagnon invited defendant to arrive around 6:00 p.m. The following day, Gagnon did not report to work, and his supervisor was unable to reach him. Another supervisor went to Gagnon’s house to check on him. After arriving at Gagnon’s home, the supervisor either knocked on the door or rang the bell. Defendant answered the door. The

1 supervisor observed defendant looked like “someone who had been in a fight or beat up” because his teeth appeared to be knocked out, one eye was bulging and black and blue, there was a cut on his head, and there was “blood splatter” on his shirt. The supervisor asked defendant if he was okay, to which he responded affirmatively. The supervisor then asked if Gagnon was home. Defendant stated Gagnon was sleeping. The supervisor asked if he could come in and wake up Gagnon. Defendant allowed the supervisor to enter and indicated toward the bedroom where Gagnon’s body was located. After observing Gagnon lying on his…