Opinion ID: 1267352
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Conspiracy to Assault Rival Gang Members with Dangerous Weapons (Count One)

Text: Farmer argues that the government introduced no evidence of a conspiracy to use dangerous weapons on the night that White was murdered. Although Farmer concedes that he set out with Key and Jackson looking to beat down a Crip, he asserts that his fellow Bloods did not anticipate using dangerous weapons in the attack. The government established that on the night of White's murder, Farmer told Key that he knew who [attacked their fellow VGL members], and that the men agreed to [t]ake a ride out to Roosevelt, [to] see the guy who did it. The verb see is surely a euphemism. In any event, before getting into the car, Farmer confirmed that Key had a gun, and the two men entered a corner store, with the gun, looking for Crips to assault. As they left, Farmer borrowed Key's gun, and Key stipulated that Farmer would have to replace it if he used it. Upon returning to the car, Key suggested using the gun to shoot up a Crip's house; Farmer instead used the gun to kill White. Farmer focuses on Key's testimony that Key brought the gun for protection. But Key could have brought the gun for protection and in anticipation of assaulting a Crip if the need or opportunity presented itself. Moreover, it is apparent that Key contemplated Farmer's use of the gun, as evidenced by his warning that Farmer would have to replace it if he did. Based on this evidence, it was reasonable for the jury to conclude that Key and Farmer conspired to assault Crips using Key's gun (a dangerous weapon).