The Oxnard two were convicted of carjacking and robbery after a violent encounter in March, prosecutors announced this week.
Leann Guzman, 27, and Richard Mendez, 26, were convicted of all charges after an unusual court process that allowed two separate ju trials in the same courtroom to attempt a lawsuit before two separate ju trials. A rarely used strategy allows witnesses to testify once, maintaining specific evidence limited to each ju apprentice.
This incident occurred on March 20, 2025. Prosecutors say Guzman and Mendes were on the train when they told the driver to park their car near Oxnard. Guzman reportedly grabbed the car key, but Mendes pointed out what looked like a gun and demanded the victim’s belongings. The two also had the victim’s phone before driving in his car.
Investigators at the Oxnard Police Station later used GPS data from Mendes’ ankle monitor to identify the suspect. They also collected DNA and cell phone evidence linking both defendants to the crime. At the time of the incident, Mendes was already on parole.
“This case illustrates the impact of a strong investigative work and the wise use of court strategy,” said Assistant District Attorney Brandon Eaton, who indicted the case. “No one has to fear someone will be taken or threatened just by riding it.”
In this case, several aggravating factors were considered. For Mendes, the court found that he had been convicted of a previous strike and a felony and was on parole at the time the crime occurred. Both defendants were found to have long criminal history with increasingly serious crimes.
The ruling is scheduled for next month in Ventura County Superior Court. Guzman could handle up to nine years in state prisons, while Mendes could face 23 years in prison. Guzman’s hearing is set for August 22nd. Mendes will be sentenced on August 25th.
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