People v. Coffman CA4/3

FACTS

Relevant Background “When Lynell Murray failed to return from work on the night of November 12, 1986, her boyfriend, Robert Whitecotton, became concerned and went to the dry cleaning business where she cashiered. Murray’s car was in the parking lot, but the cleaners was locked and no one was around. Whitecotton summoned help and soon discovered the cleaners had been burglarized and ransacked. “There apparently were no witnesses to the burglary. However, Coffman and James Marlow were seen near the cleaners minutes before its scheduled closing time of 6:30 p.m. About 6 p.m. Lynda Schaefer saw the two kissing in an alley behind the cleaners, and 20 minutes later Coffman approached Linda Whitlake in the parking lot and asked her for a ride. After Whitlake agreed, Coffman walked over to Marlow, who was inside a small white car. Whitlake did not anticipate giving Marlow a ride. She was about to tell Coffman she had changed her mind when Coffman said they no longer wanted assistance.

4 We provide a summary of the relevant facts from this court’s prior opinion, which defendant has also adopted for her statement of facts. (People v. Coffman, supra, G013467.) For ease of reference,…