Former car wash manager who shot and killed patron over dog feces found not guilty

The former car wash manager accused of shooting and killing a patron in a dispute over dog feces was found not guilty of First Degree Murder Monday.

Leo Molina, who managed his family’s car wash, killed Gregory Fernandez in October 2015. Molina said he killed the man in self defense.

The jury also found Molina not guilty of Second Degree Murder or Voluntary Manslaughter. Molina spent five months in jail after his arrest.

Closing arguments took 2 hours Monday. The defense and the prosecution recounted what happened on the day of the alleged murder.

The prosecution said Fernandez once again came to the car wash to wash dog feces out of the bed of his truck, something he had repeatedly been told by Molina not to do. The prosecution says that’s when a fight ensued.

District Attorney Mark D’Antonio said Molina was the aggressor, and that witnesses saw him beating up Fernandez. Fernandez allegedly stuck his fingers in Molina’s eyes. They say Molina, who was armed, then took out his gun and shot Fernandez three times.

“Eye pain does not equal substantial injury,” D’Anotnio said. “(It) does not warrant the killing of a human being.”

But the defense says Molina acted in self defense.

Defense Attorney Gary Mitchell focused on Molina’s injuries after the shooting. He told the jury Molina appeared dazed, and not a threat shortly after. He also said a police officer who responded to the scene called what happened that day self defense.

“I forgive Leo Molina. I forgave him a long time ago and it’s okay,” said Trine Lane, the victim’s sister, “I don’t believe that it was self defense, but because I don’t believe it was self defense, doesn’t mean that I want him to go away for any amount of time or want him to suffer any less.

Lane further stated, “A life was taken. Two families lost. One family has to fight for their son’s life. I would’ve done the same thing for one of my sons.”