DATE: September 21, 2023

CASE: Michael Daniels (Case #22FE004616)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Jordan Avey, Felony Trial Unit

On September 19, 2023, Michael Daniels was convicted by a jury of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated mayhem and mayhem.  The jury also found true allegations that Daniels personally used a weapon, inflicted great bodily injury and the attempted murder was with willful premeditation and deliberation.

The victim and Michael Daniels were strangers.  On March 14, 2022, the victim was in line to buy snacks at a gas station convenience store when Daniels got in line behind him.  The victim and Daniels got into a verbal argument, which turned into a physical altercation.  The store employees broke up the fight and the victim and Daniels left the store. The victim walked behind the gas station. Daniels went back to his car and drove behind the gas station, where he saw the victim walking. Daniels then armed himself with two machetes, jumped out of his car and chased the victim down on foot. As the victim ran, he tripped and fell to the ground. Daniels proceeded to attack the victim with the machete, cutting off the victim’s nose, fracturing his skull and causing other injuries.  Daniels then ran back to his car and fled the scene. The entire attack was captured on surveillance video and Daniels was apprehended five days later in Placer County.

Daniels faces a maximum sentence of 11 years to life in prison. Sentencing is set for October 13, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 17 before the Honorable Alexander Pal.