People v. Chang CA3

I. BACKGROUND

The amended information charged defendant with making criminal threats against A.C. (defendant’s brother) and assaulting M.T. (defendant’s brother’s wife and defendant’s sister-in-law). (Pen. Code, §§ 422, 245, subd. (a)(1)).1 The information also alleged other crimes, enhancements, and aggravating factors which are not germane to the issues before us. In May 2023, defendant was at home with his brother and his brother’s wife. The brother testified that he had schizophrenia and sometimes hears voices. He did not remember if he was taking his medication (which reduces the symptoms) at the time of the incident, but when he must take his medication, he does so. The wife testified while she and defendant’s brother were sitting on a couch in the house, defendant came inside, was talking, and then left. Defendant was speaking English and the wife did not understand what he was saying as she does not speak English. The wife also testified defendant asked her if she was having an affair and hiding her boyfriend in the bedroom. Defendant next asked if she and brother killed people and were hiding their bodies in the bedroom. After that, defendant yelled at them to not touch…