People v. Farias CA3

FACTS AND HISTORY OF THE PROCEEDINGS

Because the guilt findings in this action are not in dispute, we provide only a brief summary of the incident that gave rise to this action and the findings regarding that specific incident. We provide greater detail on allegations and the trial court’s findings regarding prior convictions, which play a central role in defendants’ appeals.

2018 Incident Giving Rise to this Action

On May 7, 2018, a correctional officer working on the C Yard of the California State Prison, Sacramento witnessed inmates Farias and Miranda attack, beat, and stab a third inmate, J.G. The officer made a call on her radio for help and an announcement to “put the yard down.” Correctional officers formed a scrimmage line and ran towards the fight, and deployed pepper spray grenades. Miranda and Farias stopped their attack and were detained. Farias had blood on his clothing, but Miranda and Farias both appeared uninjured. One inmate-manufactured weapon was located on the grass near where officers detained Miranda. Another was located closer to where officers detained Farias. J.G. was transported to a hospital. He suffered multiple serious injuries that required…