People v. Gomez

Opinion

SOVEN, J. *

Defendant John Gomez was found guilty by a jury of first degree murder and sentenced to prison for 27 years to life.

Facts

In June 1978, defendant and his wife Celia Maldonado separated. Celia had become involved with another man, A1 Herrera, the victim in this case. After the couple separated, defendant told Celia that unless she stopped taking their son when she went to Herrera’s house, defendant would kill Herrera.

Celia filed a petition for dissolution of her marriage in July 1978. In November 1978, defendant and Celia met with Royal Copple, a student intern who was serving…