On April 4, 2009, plaintiff’s decedent Alexander Villa, 26, got into an argument with his father, Gerardo Villa Sr., at the Sacramento home of Freida Sartain, where Alexander Villa, his father and his father’s girlfriend, Janet Sartain, also lived. The dispute was about how to take care of the family dogs, but it escalated until Gerardo Villa stabbed his son in the stomach. Alexander Villa later died at the hospital. Gerardo Villa was ultimately convicted of first degree murder. The decedent’s mother, Mary Lou Villa, sued Gerardo Villa, Janet Sartain and Freida Sartain. Mary Lou Villa alleged that Gerardo Villa caused the wrongful death of her son. She also alleged that Freida Sartain failed to protect Alexander Villa at the house and that Janet Sartain was partially liable for his death. The Sartains claimed that they were not liable for Alexander Villa’s death., Alexander Villa was taken to a hospital, but died four to five hours later. He was 26. The decedent’s mother, Mary Lou Villa, who had two sons, sought recovery of wrongful death damages, as well as additional damages sustained as a result of the loss of Alexander Villa.