Loay Alnaji, a Moorpark College computer science professor, pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and battery related to the death of 69-year-old Paul Kessler. The incident happened during a clash between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrators in Thousand Oaks, California. Video evidence suggests Alnaji was not near Kessler when the altercation that resulted in Kessler's fatal head injury took place as per the article on FOX LA.
Alnaji was charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of battery causing serious bodily injury following an incident that occurred earlier this month as per Ventura County District Attorney. The DA's office's decision to not file hate crime enhancements was met with criticism among Jewish supporters, who argued that the incident is another example of anti-Semitic activities in the city this year according to Hoodline.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office investigation led to ruling Kessler's death a homicide. An autopsy revealed that a blunt-force head injury was the cause of death. Some believe Kessler may have been attacked by pro-Palestinian demonstrators using a megaphone, as per the article of Hoodline.
Alnaji's arrest was discussed in a joint news conference held by the Ventura County District Attorney and Ventura County Sheriff officials. Public assistance has been urged for the ongoing investigation. Alnaji's next court appearance has been scheduled for November 29th at the Ventura County Superior Court, and a preliminary hearing date is set for December 4th. He remains in custody with bail set at $50,000 according to Ventura County District Attorney.
