VENTURA, Calif. — A 63-year-old Moorpark man has been sentenced to 10 years in California state prison following his conviction on felony charges stemming from an explosive domestic violence incident and armed barricade situation that put his estranged wife and law enforcement officers in direct danger.
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced the formal sentencing on Wednesday, confirming that William Cornelis Boer was sentenced on July 28, 2026, by a Ventura County Superior Court judge.
The prison term follows Boer's guilty plea entered on June 29, 2026, to charges of possessing destructive devices and assault with a deadly weapon, alongside enhanced firearm allegations and aggravating factors admitting to premeditated planning.
Domestic Dispute Escalates to Explosive Trap and Gunfire
The conviction stems from an incident on September 10, 2024, when Boer's estranged wife returned to the residential home they shared in Moorpark.
According to investigative findings released by the District Attorney’s Office, Boer armed himself with firearms before turning on the natural gas valves to the home's stove. He then positioned portable propane tanks inside the living area and attempted to ignite a lighter, threatening an explosion within the enclosed residence.
Realizing the immediate danger, the victim fled the house to her vehicle parked outside. Boer pursued her into the driveway, placed a propane tank directly beside her vehicle, and fired multiple rounds from a firearm into the tank as she attempted to drive away.
The victim managed to escape the scene without suffering physical injuries.
Armed Standoff with Ventura County Sheriff's Deputies
Following his estranged wife's escape, Boer barricaded himself inside the Moorpark residence. As responding Ventura County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived on scene and established a perimeter, Boer discharged multiple firearm rounds from inside the home, trying to shoot multiple officers outside.
Despite the incoming gunfire, no deputies were struck or injured. Sheriff's tactical units established communications with Boer, ultimately persuading him to surrender peacefully after a tense barricade.
During a post-arrest search of the home, investigators recovered a rifle and a pistol used during the encounter.
Guilty Plea and State Prison Sentence Details
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Melissa Toporoff of the Ventura County District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit.
In court proceedings, Boer pled guilty to violating California Penal Code Section 18740 (possession, ignition, or explosion of a destructive device) and Penal Code Section 245(a)(2) (assault with a firearm). Additionally, Boer admitted to special allegations including Penal Code 12022.5(d) for the personal use of a firearm and California Rules of Court 4.421(a)(8), acknowledging that the crime demonstrated planning, sophistication, and professionalism.
The conviction qualifies as a strike offense under California's Three Strikes Law, carrying mandatory state prison time.
"The 10-year prison sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant's conduct and ensures accountability," Deputy District Attorney Melissa Toporoff stated following the sentencing hearing. "We hope it provides closure to the victim and her family as they move forward."
What's Next
Following his July 28 sentencing, Boer will be transferred from local custody to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to begin serving his 10-year prison term.
The Ventura County District Attorney's Office emphasizes that domestic violence victims or individuals seeking support can access confidential resources and emergency assistance through local victim advocacy groups or by contacting the Ventura County Family Justice Center at (805) 652-7655.
Still, is 10 years enough for a man who tried to do his best in murdering his wife in an insane manner? At the end of the day, this is still attempted murder, and 10 years may feel like a slap on the wrist.