People v. Vera

This case arises from a violent street encounter between a group of Mexican-Americans (Mexicans) and a group of Italian-Americans (Italians).

One of the Italian youths was shot and severely wounded by one of the Mexicans. Defendant Francisco Vera (Vera) was charged with attempted murder. After a bench trial, he was convicted of aggravated battery with a firearm. He was sentenced to 17 years’ imprisonment. He appeals his conviction and sentence.

The trial judge was faced with evidence that required him to choose between two possibilities: either, as the State said, Vera was the shooter, or, as…