People v. Sigler CA3

BACKGROUND

Sometime around April or May 2021, defendant and his then-girlfriend Leanna were driving together near Lodi. An argument between the two resulted in defendant driving Leanna’s car off the road and into a vineyard. The car sustained extensive damage. Around the same time, Leanna’s trailer was stolen. Defendant regained possession of the trailer and told Leanna it now belonged to him. Leanna began staying at various motels and withdrew $800 from defendant’s bank account using his bank card. On July 11, 2021, defendant sent Leanna a text message late that night saying he was going to give her “one opportunity” to return his bank card, daring her to claim she did not have it. He then sent three text messages during the early morning hours of July 12, 2021, threatening to kill her if she did not return his money. Leanna did not respond. About 90 minutes later, while driving down Hammer Lane in Stockton, Leanna noticed defendant’s gold Buick behind her. Defendant drove into the back of her Acura. Leanna accelerated to get away from him but defendant pursued her. When Leanna reached a dead end, defendant got out of his car and tried to open her car door. Leanna managed to…