On May 15, Ventura County Superior Court Judge Ryan Wright determined that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial for the man accused of causing the death of another man during a pro-Palestinian protest in Thousand Oaks, California.
The suspect, Mr.
Alnaji, is alleged to have engaged in a physical confrontation with the victim, Mr.
Kessler, who was pro-Israel.
The two-day preliminary hearing included evidence presented by Senior Deputy District Attorney Courtney Lewis, including DNA analysis of blood found on the rim of a megaphone that Alnaji allegedly used to strike Kessler.
Prosecutors also provided video and audio clips from Kessler’s cell phone, showing the moments before he was reportedly struck by Alnaji.
Ventura County Medical Examiner Dr.
Othon Mena testified that Mr.
Kessler died from blunt force trauma caused by the blow from the megaphone and the subsequent fall to the pavement.
Although antisemitic hate speech was heard at the protest, there is no evidence connecting Alnaji to any such comments.
Alnaji remains out of custody after posting a $50,000 bail and faces up to four years in prison if convicted on all charges.
An arraignment is scheduled for June 10 at the Ventura County Superior Court.