People v. Long

Opinion

GARDNER P. J.

Defendant was convicted by a jury of first degree murder.

The decedent, a retired civil engineer and a widower for about nine years, was 73 years of age and lived in Yucca Valley. The defendant, age 22, lived in a nearby house trailer. The defendant and decedent were friends and the defendant spent many evenings at the decedent’s home watching television. On several occasions, the defendant had tried to borrow money from the decedent but the decedent would not loan him any.

On July 20, 1972, the body of the decedent was found on the floor of his living room. A footstool and…