1. Man charged death pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler California trial
2. Man accused killing pro-Israel activist Paul Kessler California trial.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
CNN
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A man accused of manslaughter in the death of a Jewish protester during protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict is set to face trial, as ruled by a judge on Wednesday, according to prosecutors.
Loay Alnaji, the defendant, allegedly struck the 69-year-old protester, Paul Kessler, with a megaphone during a demonstration in support of Israel. The incident took place in Thousand Oaks, California, resulting in Kessler’s fatal injuries, as stated by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Kessler, who later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, was determined to have died from blunt force trauma caused by the blow from the megaphone and subsequent fall, according to prosecutors.
Conflicting Witness Statements Complicate Case
Alnaji faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and battery, with the investigation allegedly hindered by contradicting accounts from witnesses on both sides of the protest. Despite pleading not guilty, Alnaji remains the focal point of the case, the district attorney’s office confirmed.
The incident occurred amidst a series of protests following Hamas’ attack on Israel, resulting in a significant number of casualties on both sides. The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the death toll continuing to rise.
Evidence Presented in Court
During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors revealed key evidence against Alnaji, including DNA analysis linking blood found on the megaphone to Kessler. Additionally, video and audio recordings from Kessler’s phone captured moments leading up to the fatal incident.
Despite the severity of the charges, prosecutors have not found evidence to suggest that the incident was motivated by hate, as indicated in the official statement.
The district attorney’s office clarified that while there were reports of antisemitic rhetoric at the rally, there is no direct link between such statements and Alnaji’s actions.
Defence Attorney’s Perspective
Alnaji’s attorney, Ron Bamieh, has been approached for comment by CNN regarding the case. In previous statements, Bamieh highlighted Kessler’s confrontational behaviour towards protesters, including his client, prior to the tragic incident.
According to Bamieh, Alnaji cooperated with law enforcement following the incident, attempting to assist Kessler and promptly calling emergency services upon realising the severity of the situation.
Following his arrest, Alnaji was placed on administrative leave from his position at Moorpark College within the Ventura County Community College District. The defendant is currently out on bail and is scheduled for an arraignment in June.
Details of the Incident
The altercation took place during simultaneous rallies organized by opposing groups, resulting in a clash between protesters. Law enforcement responded to reports of an assault at the intersection where the incident occurred.
Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found Kessler injured but conscious, leading to an investigation that ultimately implicated Alnaji in the altercation that led to Kessler’s fatal injury.
Conflicting witness testimonies complicated the initial stages of the investigation, with pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups offering differing accounts of the events that unfolded.
A secondary suspect was also interviewed at the scene, adding further complexity to the case. However, authorities have not confirmed whether this individual was connected to the fatal altercation.
Kessler’s autopsy revealed the extent of his injuries, indicating severe trauma consistent with a fall. The victim, described as a devoted family man and professional, had sustained fatal head injuries as a result of the incident.
CNN’s Cindy Von Quednow contributed to this report.
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“Man charged death pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler California face trial”
“Man charged death pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler California trial”.
