LAKEPORT — A public defender took over an attempted murder case Monday from an attorney who originally represented the defendant.
Attorney Komnith Moth asked for a few weeks to look through hundreds of pages of discovery against Raymundo Catalan, 32, of North Hollywood.
Catalan allegedly argued with Marshall Wisterman, 35, and then shot him at close range on Jan. 4 outside of the north Lakeport man”s home. Wisterman”s children and wife were inside the house.
Catalan appeared in court Monday for arraignment after his preliminary hearing June 11.
He is charged with attempted murder, torture, aggravated mayhem, mayhem and assault with a firearm. A number of special allegations accompany the charges, including that he intentionally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury, that he used a firearm and that he inflicted great bodily injury. Catalan also has a prior strike and prison record. He faces about 36 years to life in prison.
After presenting evidence in the preliminary hearing, chief deputy district attorney Rich Hinchcliff dropped the sixth charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm because he said he presented no evidence to support it.
Judge Richard Freeborn ruled at the preliminary hearing there was sufficient evidence to hold Catalan on the charges and allegations.
During the preliminary hearing, Detective John Drewrey of the Lake County Sheriff”s Office testified that he spoke with the surgeon who treated Wisterman. The victim had a life-threatening through-and-through gunshot wound to the left abdomen that damaged his stomach, artery to his kidney and other arteries.
The hospital discharged Wisterman Jan. 19, Drewrey testified. The gun was a .45.
Wisterman”s wife, Amanda Wisterman, said she thinks Catalan shot her husband because her husband didn”t pay for a camera and comforter Catalan had given him to give to her for Christmas.
Deputy Gavin Wells of the Lake County Sheriff”s Office testified that when he spoke with Marshall Wisterman before paramedics arrived at the shooting, Wisterman told Wells that “Raymond” had shot him over $50 he owed him.
Catalan will return to court 8:15 a.m. July 12 to enter a plea and for setting.
Contact Katy Sweeny at kdsweeny@gmail.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
