David James Kozak, found guilty of a grievous spectrum of crimes including attempted murder, arson, and animal abuse, has been condemned by a Washington County jury to serve 245 months behind bars. The sentence was handed down by Judge Theodore Sims last Thursday, nearly two years after the violent incident that unraveled at an apartment complex in the Raleigh Hills area.
The fallout of a personal dispute on February 22, 2023, between Kozak and his then-girlfriend culminated in an attack that has left deep scars. Kozak assaulted the victim with a butcher knife, inflicting multiple wounds before she managed to escape to a neighbor's apartment for help. According to the Washington County District Attorney's Office, she passed out due to her injuries after informing the neighbors about the stabbing and attempted arson. The responders arrived at a fire that Kozak had allegedly set, which eventually destroyed the building and displaced eight residents.
Beyond the prison time, Judge Sims also directed Kozak to pay over $719,000 in restitution. The repercussions of his action extend further; Kozak is ordered to completely avoid any form of contact with the victims, undergo three years of post-prison supervision once released, and be prohibited from owning pets for five years. These stipulations highlight an attempt to ensure Kozak does not re-offend and to offer a semblance of justice to those affected.
Washington County Deputy District Attorneys Mark Richman and Mackenna Krohn led the prosecution, culminating in a judgment that underscores the severity of Kozak's crimes. The DA's office praised the swift action of the Washington County Sheriff's Office for their role in apprehending Kozak and investigating the cascading events of that day.
