by Samantha Romero
The jury trial for defendant Marco Antonio Medina began Monday afternoon, February 26, 2018, in Department 13.
The first witness called by the People was a resident of the Greenery Apartments in Woodland, “GB” (with a state interpreter beside her). On October 21, 2017, around 10:30 a.m., GB was inside her apartment when she heard what sounded like a gunshot.
A few minutes prior to the gunshot sound, GB testified to hearing a loud argument occurring outside her apartment. She then peered out of her window (overlooking one of the parking lots) and saw her upstairs neighbor arguing with a man inside a dark red vehicle. GB stated that she was only prompted to witness the argument and did not actually pay attention to the conflict itself.
GB testified that, after a few minutes went by, she heard one gunshot sound come from the same parking lot. GB stated that at this point, she peered out the window again and saw people running to the upstairs apartment (including her neighbor) as well as the red vehicle driving away from the apartments.
GB was unable to hear what the dispute was regarding, but she did manage to recall a general description of the man in the red vehicle. GB described him as a tall chubby male with short dark hair. 
She also described the man as being of dark complexion, but “not too dark.” GB was also unable to classify his race, or recall what the man was wearing that day.
But then the People asked the witness if she could recognize the man she believed to have shot the gun to be present anywhere in the courtroom.
“No,” the witnessed stated. GB was not able to recognize or identify the defendant as the man who she believed to be the shooter.
The People followed up by asking if the witness was nervous or if and why she wanted to remain anonymous during the police investigation. “To avoid this,” translated the state interpreter. GB explained to the court that her involvement in the case made her feel uncomfortable.
The defense attorney cross-examined the witness, pushing for further description of the individual she thought shot the gun and if she could remember any tattoos present on the man. GB testified to not seeing any tattoos on the man and her description remained general.
GB is subject to recall.
The next two witnesses were Richard Rayls and Simeon McKenzie of the Woodland Police Department. Neither officers are subject to recall.
The next witness called by the People was “RW,” who visited her mother daily at the Greenery Apartments. RW is subject to recall.
The jury trial is to reconvene on Thursday March 1, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 13.
