Zuberi Kalaikulokahiokalani Sharp has officially pled guilty to second degree murder in the killing of his 15 year old half brother Zayde.
The 26 year old defendant admitted to the brutal attack during a court appearance on March 30 2026.
According to the Ventura County District Attorney Office the killing took place on December 5 2024 inside a converted backyard shed in Newbury Park.
The victim’s uncle told deputies he heard a loud thud coming from the shed and walked in to find Sharp standing over the boy while holding a pickaxe.
Zayde who lived with cerebral palsy and was described as particularly vulnerable was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after arrival.
Sharp fled the scene following the attack and was later found by deputies acting erratically and naked on the football field at Newbury Park High School.
In addition to the murder charge Sharp admitted to the special allegation of personally inflicting great bodily injury and using a weapon.
Senior Deputy District Attorney David Russell stated that this resolution spares the family from the pain of a lengthy and horrific jury trial.
The family has endured unimaginable trauma as they navigated the legal aftermath of a tragedy that occurred within their own home.
Sharp remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to be formally sentenced on May 5 2026 in Ventura County Superior Court.
Under the current plea agreement the Newbury Park man faces a sentence of 15 years to life in state prison.
History has shown that cases involving the murder of vulnerable family members often carry the maximum possible weight during the sentencing phase.
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