Moorpark professor may avoid prison time in death of Jewish man at Thousand Oaks protest – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
Thousand Oaks – A former Moorpark College professor has entered a guilty plea in the death of a Jewish counter-protester during a 2023 demonstration, opening the door to probation rather than prison time. The development comes more than two years after the confrontation that drew national attention amid dueling rallies over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Court records show the change occurred just days before a scheduled jury trial.
The 2023 Confrontation
The incident unfolded on November 5, 2023, at the intersection of Thousand Oaks and Westlake boulevards. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators had gathered for a rally when a separate group of pro-Israel supporters arrived to counter the event. Paul Kessler, a 69-year-old resident of Thousand Oaks, was among those present on the pro-Israel side.
Authorities later determined that Loay Alnaji, then a computer science professor at Moorpark College, was involved in a physical altercation with Kessler. Kessler suffered head injuries in the clash and died the following day. Investigators charged Alnaji with involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury, citing evidence that he personally inflicted great bodily injury during the encounter.
Shift in Legal Strategy
Alnaji initially pleaded not guilty to the felony counts and prepared for trial. The case had been set to begin in mid-May 2026. On May 5, however, he changed his plea to guilty on both charges in Ventura County Superior Court.
The judge presiding over the matter offered probation as part of the plea agreement. This outcome means Alnaji could avoid any state prison sentence, though formal sentencing remains pending. Prosecutors had alleged the confrontation escalated quickly, while the defense had previously questioned the strength of eyewitness accounts.
Broader Context of the Case
Alnaji had been placed on administrative leave from his teaching position shortly after the incident, and his profile was removed from the college website. The event occurred during a period of heightened tensions following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response in Gaza.
Kessler, who had a prior brain tumor diagnosis, was remembered by family and community members as a dedicated advocate for Israel. The guilty plea closes the criminal proceedings without a full trial, leaving the focus on sentencing and any civil matters that may follow.
- November 5, 2023: Fatal clash at Thousand Oaks protest site
- Initial charges: Involuntary manslaughter and battery with great bodily injury
- May 5, 2026: Guilty plea accepted with probation offer
