Two people from Oxnard have been convicted of carjacking and robbery following a violent encounter in March, prosecutors announced this week.
Leann Guzman, 27, and Richard Mendez, 26, were both found guilty on all charges after an unusual court process allowing the case to be tried before two separate juries – one for each defendant – in the same courtroom. The rarely-used strategy let witnesses testify once while keeping certain pieces of evidence limited to each respective jury.
The incident happened on March 20, 2025. Prosecutors say Guzman and Mendez were getting a ride when they told the driver to pull over in an Oxnard neighborhood. Guzman reportedly grabbed the car keys, while Mendez pointed what looked like a gun and demanded the victim’s belongings. The pair also took the victim’s phone before driving off in his car.
Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department later identified the suspects using GPS data from Mendez’s ankle monitor. They also collected DNA and cellphone evidence linking both defendants to the crime. At the time of the incident, Mendez was already on parole.
“This case shows the impact of strong investigative work and the smart use of courtroom strategy,” said Deputy District Attorney Brandon Yeaton, who prosecuted the case. “No one should have to fear being robbed or threatened just for giving someone a ride.”
Several aggravating factors were considered in the case. For Mendez, the court found that he had a prior strike and serious felony conviction and was on parole when the crime occurred. Both defendants were found to have lengthy criminal records with increasingly serious offenses.
Sentencing is scheduled for next month in Ventura County Superior Court. Guzman could face up to nine years in state prison, while Mendez could be sentenced to as many as 23 years. Guzman’s hearing is set for August 22; Mendez will be sentenced August 25.
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