KING CITY — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced Jan. 10 that Judge Rafael Vazquez sentenced Kevin James Powell to 76 years-to-life in state prison for first-degree murder and first-degree 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, Powell parked his car nearby. The victims paid no attention as Powell — a stranger to the victims — stepped 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.
On Dec. 11, 2024, a jury convicted Powell of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. Furthermore, the jury found Powell 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.
