Paul Keola beat the victim causing great bodily injury
(Woodland, CA) – February 6, 2017 – District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that on February 3, 2017, a Yolo County jury found 54-year-old West Sacramento man, Paul Keola, guilty of severely beating a woman who he had been dating.
On September 4, 2016 shortly after midnight, the victim called 911 for assistance. She would not provide the assailant’s name, but said he was drunk, had hit her, and she wanted him out of her motel room. West Sacramento police officers responded to the Crest Motel and told an intoxicated Paul Keola that he had to leave. Sometime later that early morning, Keola returned and beat victim with his fists, kicked her, and hit her with a steel pole. The victim suffered serious injuries including fractures to her lower back, a broken right arm, swelling to both elbows, swelling to her ankle, and a large bite mark on her left arm. The victim crawled to the window to attempt to exit, but Keola pulled her by her legs and hair back into the motel room where he continued to beat her. A passing resident called 911 around 9:30am, and the victim was transported to the UC Davis Medical Center where she spent five days.
During trial, the prosecution presented evidence showing Keola had beaten the victim in the past. The jury convicted Keola of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Infliction of a Traumatic Injury on a Person with whom he Had a Dating Relationship, and False Imprisonment with Force and Violence. The jury found True the allegations that he committed great bodily injury and used a weapon. The jury acquitted Keola of attempted murder, threats to commit great bodily and first degree burglary.
Deputy District Attorney, Carolyn Palumbo, prosecuted the case. Ms. Palumbo praised the jury for their attention to the case and their conscientious deliberations. “The victim in this case was very courageous,” said Palumbo. “Our process server and Victim Services advocate worked very closely with her to help her feel more comfortable in court.”
Keola will be sentenced on March 10, 2017 by the Honorable Dave Rosenberg who presided over the trial. Keola faces 12 years in state prison.
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