KING CITY — A Monterey County jury has convicted Kevin James Powell of first-degree murder and attempted murder.
On Sept. 14, 2022, the deceased victim and his brother were in town for work staying at a Motel 6 in King City. That night, after returning from dinner at their sister’s house, they stood outside their room talking.
Meanwhile, another guest, later identified as Powell, parked his car near the victims. The victims — strangers to Powell — paid no attention as he got out, rummaged in the rear passenger seat of his car, and then suddenly produced a three-foot axe and attacked them with it.
One victim ran and escaped with minor injuries; the other tripped, suffered serious injuries from the assault, and later died at the hospital.
Powell testified that he attacked the victims due to “methamphetamine-induced psychosis,” according to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office in a news release Dec. 12.
After convicting Powell of first-degree murder and attempted murder, the jury also determined he used a deadly weapon, and that the crimes involved great violence, great bodily harm or a high degree of cruelty, viciousness or callousness. Finally, the court found Powell had a prior strike conviction for street terrorism.
Powell, who faces up to life in state prison, will be sentenced on Jan. 9, 2025.
