Current:Home > FinanceJewish protester's death in LA area remains under investigation as eyewitness accounts conflict -Wealth Empowerment Academy
Jewish protester's death in LA area remains under investigation as eyewitness accounts conflict
View
Date:2025-04-13 07:50:16
The Ventura County Sheriff's Department is continuing its investigation into the death of a 69-year-old pro-Israel protester with autopsy results showing his death was consistent with a fall.
Paul Kessler died at the hospital hours after being injured in a clash during dueling protests over the Israel-Palestinian conflict in Thousand Oaks.
At a Tuesday news conference, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff outlined what happened Sunday and gave an update on the investigation.
The sheriff said deputies responding to the rallies found Kessler conscious and responsive, but with injuries to his head and mouth. Kessler was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
Fryhoff said a suspect remained at the scene and was cooperative, but that witnesses gave conflicting statements about the clash.
"These witnesses provided conflicting statements about what the altercation (was) and who the aggressor was. Some of the witnesses were pro-Palestine while others were pro-Israel," Fryhoff said.
At the scene, deputies determined that Kessler fell backward and struck his head on the ground. The sheriff says what caused him to fall is still under investigation.
"During the investigation at the scene, deputies determined that the altercation with Mr. Kessler, he fell backward and struck his head on the ground. What exactly transpired prior to Mr. Kessler falling backward isn't crystal clear right now." Fryhoff said.
Dr. Christopher Young, Ventura County Chief Medical Examiner, said the death investigation is ongoing.
During Tuesday's news conference, Dr. Young said a CT scan showed swelling and hemorrhage surrounding the brain, and that Kessler's condition continued to deteriorate while at the hospital.
"The cause of death has been certified as blunt force trauma. The manner of death is homicide." Dr. Young said. "A manner of death of homicide does not indicate that a crime has been committed. This is a determination that is made by the District Attorney's office."
Sheriff Fryhoff identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Moorpark resident who was advocating for Palestinians during the rally. The suspect was detained and released after a search warrant was issued for the suspect's home.
Fryhoff would not comment on the results of the search warrant but did say a hate crime has not been ruled out. He added the case is being investigated as a homicide since witnesses are still being interviewed.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles put out an earlier statement saying Kessler was struck by a pro-Palestinian protester with a megaphone.
At a Tuesday afternoon news conference, an eye-witness recalled seeing a white megaphone "flying through the air." Sheriff Fryhoff could neither confirm nor deny this account, saying the incident remains under investigation.
"There was clearly an interaction between Kessler and the suspect, but what that level of interaction was is still unclear, and that is why the department is still asking for any video footage, hoping someone has video that can help shed some light on what occurred leading up to Mr. Kessler falling and hitting his head," Fryhoff said.
The sheriff also stated that the department has increased patrols around mosques, Muslim community centers, and Jewish houses of worship.
veryGood! (2488)
Related
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- A Progress Report on the IRA Shows Electric Vehicle Adoption Is Going Well. Renewable Energy Deployment, Not So Much
- Motocross Star Jayden “Jayo” Archer Dead at 27
- Woman's body found on Arkansas roadside 'partially decomposed' in plastic bag: Reports
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Gabby Petito's parents reach deal with parents of Brian Laundrie in civil lawsuit
- Lionel Messi and Inter Miami open 2024 MLS season: Must-see pictures from Fort Lauderdale
- Georgia GOP senators seek to ban sexually explicit books from school libraries, reduce sex education
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- James Biden, Joe Biden's brother, tells lawmakers the president had no involvement in family's business dealings
Ranking
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Inquiry into Pablo Neruda's 1973 death reopened by Chile appeals court
- Horoscopes Today, February 21, 2024
- Review: Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' is a failure in every way
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Boeing's head of 737 Max program loses job after midair blowout
- HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent, known for her inspirational talks as a young child, dies at 39
- Review: Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' is a failure in every way
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Machine Gun Kelly Shares Heartbreaking Message on Megan Fox’s Miscarriage
Tennessee firm hired kids to clean head splitters and other dangerous equipment in meat plants, feds allege
Lawyers for Malcolm X family say new statements implicate NYPD, feds in assassination
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
Motocross star Jayden 'Jayo' Archer, the first to land triple backflip, dies practicing trick
Venezuela pit mine collapse reportedly leaves dozens of people buried in mud
Lawyers for Malcolm X family say new statements implicate NYPD, feds in assassination