Clearlake woman convicted of shotgun killing of boyfriend

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – A jury has convicted a Clearlake woman of first-degree murder in the shotgun killing of her boyfriend in their home.

On Friday, following a three-week trial, jurors returned the guilty verdict in the case of Dominique Irene Molina-Dominguez, 34.

Molina-Dominguez was arrested on July 10, 2024, on a charge of murder for shooting 38-year-old DeAndre Grinner to death at the 16th Street home they shared in Clearlake.

Police said Molina-Dominguez called in the shooting.

Authorities said at the time of her arrest that they believed Molina-Dominguez was lying in wait for Grinner, who she killed by shooting him once with a shotgun.

She’s remained in custody since the killing.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Rich Watson said jury selection started Jan. 14 and closing arguments for both the prosecution and defense took place on Feb. 4, with deliberations starting the next day.

Watson said the jury had a verdict by 11 a.m. Friday.

In addition to finding Molina-Dominguez guilty of first-degree murder, Watson said the jury also found to be true three enhancements or special allegations.

Those special allegations are causing great bodily injury with a shotgun, personally discharging a shotgun and use of a firearm in connection with a felony.

Judge Michael Lunas is scheduled to sentence Molina-Dominguez on March 3 in Lake County Superior Court’s Department 1. 

Watson said it is difficult to know her potential sentence until after the Probation Department completes a sentencing report. 

By statute, first degree murder is a 25-years-to-life on conviction, while the special allegation of use of a firearm in connection with a felony could add an additional and consecutive term of 25 years to life to the first degree murder term, Watson said.

Email Elizabeth Larson at elarson@lakeconews.com. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, and on Bluesky, @erlarson.bsky.social. Find Lake County News on the following platforms: Facebook, @LakeCoNews; X, @LakeCoNews; Threads, @lakeconews, and on Bluesky, @lakeconews.bsky.social.