People v. Williams CA2/8

BACKGROUND

On October 9, 2013, the People filed a third amended Information charging defendant Melvin Williams with infliction of corporal injury on Carliss Bell, assault on Bell by means likely to produce great bodily injury, and criminal threats to Bell in violation of sections 273.5, subdivision (a), 245, subdivision(a)(4), and 422, subdivision (a). The third amended Information also charged Williams with the attempted willful, deliberate, and premeditated murders of Bell and Darrell Williams, possession of a firearm by a felon, contempt of court, first degree residential burglary, and assaults on Bell and Williams with a firearm, in violation of sections 644/187, subdivision (a), 29800, subdivision (a)(1), 166, subdivision (c)(1), 459, and 245, subdivision (b). Other firearm and serious and violent felony enhancements were also alleged. The jury found Williams guilty of all counts, found the attempted murders were premeditated, willful and deliberate, and found true the firearm enhancement that he personally used a shotgun during the commission of the attempted murders. The jury was unable to agree on whether Williams intentionally discharged the firearm during commission of…