Jury Trial Scheduled for Former Professor in 2023 Protest Death

The high-profile case involving the death of Paul Kessler is officially heading to a jury trial. Loay Alnaji, a 53-year-old former Moorpark College professor, is scheduled to appear in court on February 18, 2026.

The charges stem from a November 2023 confrontation during dual pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations. Prosecutors allege that Alnaji struck Kessler, a 69-year-old Jewish man, causing him to fall and hit his head on the concrete.

Kessler suffered a fatal brain injury and passed away at Los Robles Regional Medical Center shortly after the incident. The Ventura County Medical Examiner later ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma.

Alnaji currently faces felony counts of involuntary manslaughter and battery. District Attorney Erik Nasarenko noted that there was no evidence found to suggest Alnaji intended to kill Kessler when he arrived at the protest.

The defense has maintained that Alnaji was merely brushing away a phone that Kessler had placed in his face. Attorney Ron Bamieh claims that Kessler had been aggressively confronting various protesters before the fall.

Despite the scheduled February date, the case could still face further delays. It has already been continued 15 times since the original filing, with both sides requesting more time to review digital evidence.