People v. Maldonado

After a bench trial, Rubin Maldonado (defendant) was convicted of murder and sentenced to 22 years. Defendant appeals.

Rubin Barriga testified that on February 10, 1979, at approximately 1:50 a.m., he was standing with the deceased at a bus stop a few doors away from a tavern. The area was illuminated by a sign from the tavern. A person, whom Barriga identified as defendant, left a nearby tavern, the Los Palmos, and approached them. Defendant came within 1 or 2 feet of them. A few words were spoken between defendant and the deceased. Defendant pulled a gun from his waistband, shot the deceased…