SAN DIEGO – A new trial date has been set for a man accused of murder following a mistrial in a stabbing case at a local McDonald’s. Armando Manuel Parras, 33, appeared before San Diego Superior Court Judge David Berry, who has rescheduled the trial to August 5, vacating an earlier date of June 18.
The mistrial was declared after jurors could not reach a unanimous decision regarding the stabbing death of 44-year-old Joshua Goodman, which occurred on August 30, 2023. The jury deliberated for four days, ultimately deadlocking with an 11-to-1 split. It remains unclear which direction the jurors leaned, whether toward conviction or acquittal.
During deliberations, some jurors expressed discontent over the performance of a male panelist, claiming he refused to engage in meaningful discussion. They sent a note to Judge Berry asking for his removal, citing an unwillingness to deliberate. Berry denied the request, stating there was no evidence of misconduct.
The incident prompted an unusual courtroom event where Berry called jurors to testify about their deliberations after declaring the mistrial. The juror in question defended himself against the accusations, insisting he was actively participating, while other jurors voiced their frustrations. One juror remarked that the man refrained from speaking, while another suggested potential mental health issues.
Before the mistrial, witnesses indicated that tension existed between Goodman and Parras, pointing to a history of discord within the homeless community. Some testified that Parras had aided a homeless woman who alleged that Goodman stole her bicycle, leading to confrontation.
Authorities allege that Parras ambushed Goodman as he rode his bicycle through the McDonald’s parking lot. Police reports indicate that Parras exited a minivan to pursue Goodman, ultimately stabbing him before fleeing in the vehicle.
Parras, who has pleaded not guilty, remains in custody awaiting the retrial. His defense argues that he acted out of fear for his safety. Brittany Wolf, 36, the driver of the van involved in the incident, is currently serving an eight-month jail sentence for being an accessory after the fact in the murder case, with a release date set for July 10.
The outcome of the upcoming trial will determine Parras’s fate, as the legal proceedings continue to unfold in this high-profile case.
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