Opening statements were given Nov. 2 in the trial of Charles Edward Shipman, 49, who is accused of committing six robberies and one attempted hold-up, the latter of which led to his arrest Feb. 13.
The nickname came after the robber pretended he wanted to buy some incense at $8.95 per box, and told the clerk “you guys are too expensive for me.” He then simulated having a gun and robbed the Cathedral, a candle store, at 435 University Ave.
Deputy District Attorney Dennis Panish told jurors Shipman robbed the same clerk at Fifth Avenue Books twice and the same parking valet twice at Arrivederci – a month apart each time in 2011.
The Hillcrest Business Association distributed sketches of the robber, who first struck July 21, 2011, and some businesses displayed them.
Shipman’s attorney, Vickie Fernandes, told jurors she will ask for an acquittal on all counts, saying he was misidentified by all the witnesses including several who identified someone else early on.
“This is a case about misidentification and bad police work,” Fernandes told jurors, adding that sometimes police “make mistakes.”
Both attorneys agreed there is no DNA, no fingerprints or fibers in the case. Shipman was arrested because he was near the attempted robbery and he showed up on a security videotape. State parole agents recognized Shipman from the video and arrested him Feb. 24.
Witnesses testified this week before the jury and San Diego Superior Court Judge Amalia Meza. Shipman has pleaded not guilty. He has been convicted of attempted robbery in 1986 and 1990, according to court records. He remains in jail on $300,000 bail.
