A California judge has officially ruled that Loay Alnaji will stand trial for the death of Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old protester who died following a confrontation in Thousand Oaks. The incident occurred during dueling demonstrations regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict last November.
Prosecutors allege that Alnaji struck Kessler with a megaphone during the heated event. This action reportedly caused the victim to fall and sustain a fatal head injury on the pavement.
Medical examiners confirmed that Kessler died from blunt force trauma resulting from the blow and the subsequent fall. Alnaji currently faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and battery.
During a recent two-day hearing, the prosecution presented significant evidence to the court. This included DNA analysis linking blood found on the megaphone to the victim, as well as video and audio recordings captured on Kessler’s own phone.
Despite the intensity of the rally, investigators have not found evidence to support hate crime charges against the defendant. Officials noted that while antisemitic rhetoric was present at the scene, there is no proof that Alnaji was responsible for those specific statements.
The defense team, led by attorney Ron Bamieh, maintains that Alnaji acted in self-defense. Bamieh argues that his client was merely attempting to swat away a phone that was being thrust into his face.
The defense further contends that witness accounts have been inconsistent and that the prosecution is treating the matter as a political case rather than a standard criminal proceeding. They emphasize that Alnaji cooperated with law enforcement and attempted to assist the victim immediately after the fall.
In response, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office stated that their pursuit of the case is based strictly on facts and evidence. They maintain that their objective is to ensure justice is served regardless of external political pressures.
Alnaji, who was placed on administrative leave from his position at Moorpark College following the charges, remains free on $50,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear for an arraignment on June 10. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison.