Two would-be burglars who broke into a Valley Village home in July 2024 have been handed prison terms of more than a decade each after the homeowner opened fire and wounded one intruder.
At a Glance
- Chuks Chukwudi received 12 years in state prison after pleading no contest to first-degree residential burglary
- Accomplice Marquinn Peterson was sentenced to 14 years and eight months for two counts of the same charge
- The homeowner shot Chukwudi during the July 8, 2024 break-in on Addison Street near Colfax Avenue
- Why it matters: The swift convictions underscore California’s strict sentencing for occupied-home burglaries and highlight the legal protections for residents who defend their property
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office exclusively detailed the sentences to News Of Losangeles, confirming that both men admitted prior convictions that lengthened their terms.
The Break-In and Shooting
On July 8, 2024, the two men forced their way into the house while the owner was inside. The resident, armed and confronted by the intruders, fired his weapon and struck Chuks Chukwudi.
- Officers arrived to find Chukwudi conscious and breathing at the scene
- Marquinn Peterson fled but was later captured
- The incident unfolded on Addison Street near Colfax Avenue in Valley Village
Court Outcomes
Chukwudi, injured during the crime, accepted a plea deal on January 12, 2025, entering a no-contest plea to one count of first-degree residential burglary with a person present. The plea included a formal admission of a prior conviction, factors that led to his 12-year state prison sentence.
Peterson faced two counts of first-degree residential burglary. He admitted his own prior strikes, resulting in a sentence of 14 years and eight months-nearly three years longer than his accomplice.
Key Takeaways
- Residential burglary with an occupant home carries enhanced penalties in California
- Both defendants’ prior convictions significantly increased their time behind bars
- The homeowner faced no charges; prosecutors deemed the shooting lawful self-defense
