"I am having a little trouble understanding why your mother would think they are trying to kidnap her than offer her a ride."

During cross examination,Mariah Acosta impeached herself by conflicting testimony. She mentioned a conversation with Coleman two days before the shooting. During direct testimony, she claimed she asked him who he was when he came to pick her up on August 29, 2019. Then on redirect, she claimed she knew Coleman was Alma Ahumadamendoz's boyfriend.

During cross examination, Acosta said she met Ahumadamendoza through her daughter and the time period was  2017-2018. Starting in June 2019, Acosta obtained samples of "black market marijuana" and tried to sell them.

Ms. Sullivan asked Acosta about an interview with Rio Dell Police Chief Jeff Conner in October 2019. In that interview, Acosta said that two days before Johnny Renfro was shot, she gave samples of marijuana to Ahumadamendoza and Coleman. She declined to go to Sacramento with them. Acosta said this twice during her testimony.

She denied calling Coleman in June 2019 . Ms. Sullivan asked Acosta what she would say if there was proof that she called Coleman.

Acosta said, "I don't recall having his phone number."

"Did you ever have a romantic relationship with Demetrius when he lived in Redway?" Ms. Sullivan asked Acosta.

Acosta denied she had a previous relationship with Coleman and denied Coleman was a contact in her phone.

"Who is "Goldtooth"? Ms. Sullivan asked about a contact in Acosta's phone.

"My friend Kristen's buyer," said Acosta.

"That is not Demetrius?" Ms. Sullivan asked Acosta.

Again, Acosta denied knowing Coleman.

"Did you ever tell Alma that you had a long, significant relationship with Demetrius?" Ms. Sullivan asked Acosta. "When he picked you up (on August 29, 2019), wasn't the purpose to talk about your relationship?"

"That's false," replied Acosta.

"Why did you get in the car if you didn't know him," said Ms. Sullivan. "You don't know him from adam. That is what you are telling the jury. Yet, you are willing to get in a car with him?"

Acosta said she did not see a weapon in either car on August 28, 2019. This referred to the cars that Ahumadamendoza and Coleman were driving.

Before the afternoon break, Ms. Andrea Sullivan asked to approach. Out of the presence of the jury, Ms. Sullivan, Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer and Judge Kelly Neel questioned Acosta. 

Ms. Sullivan asked Acosta if she recalled telling Rio Dell Sgt. John Beauchaine and Rio Dell Police Chief Jeff Conner that "Alma and Demetrius tried to kidnap your mother." This was on September 25, 2019. Acosta said, " I did."

"Would your belief in your mother's statement change if you had learned that his phone was in Sacramento on September 25? Ms. Sullivan asked Acosta. 

"I stand by my mom," said Acosta.

Acosta told Ms. Schaffer her mom "works as a housekeeper and catches the bus by Ross." A red mini SUV approached her and "Alma was telling her to get in. Alma's son was in the backseat." Acosta said "Alma told her to get in Spanish. " Acosta's mother said no. "Demetrius floored it and left." 

Acosta's brother showed their mother photos from a news article and she identified  the two people as Alma Ahumadamendoza and Demetrius Coleman. After her brother told her, Acosta called her mother.

"Did your mother make a police report?" Ms. Sullivan asked Acosta.

"No," she replied.

"You knew by now a person had died " said Ms. Sullivan. " You didn't think it was appropriate to let the police know."

Acosta said her mom was "scared of the cops."

"Your mother used the word kidnap but no one got out of the car, " said Judge Neel. "I am having a little trouble understanding why your mother would think they are trying to kidnap her than offer her a ride."

"You said Alma opened the door but did not get out," Ms. Sullivan. "How would she get in the car?"

Acosta responded to Judge Neel and Ms. Sullivan by saying that her mother would get in back of the car.

I have to say Acosta thinks quick on her feet. She adds stuff when questioned by the attorneys or the Judge when her story is questioned and does it on the spot.

There was private discussion after Acosta left the courtroom. Her cross examination will continue after the break. We will find out if Ms. Sullivan gets to ask about this alleged "kidnap" incident of Acosta's mother on September 25, 2019. 

After break, audio was muted until I had to let tech know. When audio resumed, there was a comment from Judge Neel about testimony being offered for a limited purpose and just because the witness testifies, it does not mean it is the truth. The jurors were also instructed on hearsay. In front of the jury, it Ms. Schaffer started her questioning of Acosta about the incident with a shorter cross examination from Ms. Sullivan. 

By the time this incident with her mother happened, Acosta had read news articles about Johnny Renfro's death. She told Ms. Schaffer she did not go to the police because she was selling "weed and was afraid what they might find on her phone."

As with all of Acosta's claims, which only she is making, her mother did not file a police report so there is no verification. We just have Acosta's claims. 

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