King City Axe Murderer Convicted by Jury

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on December 12

that a jury convicted Kevin James Powell of First-Degree Murder and First-Degree Attempted

Murder.

On September 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.

The jury convicted Powell of First-Degree Murder and First-Degree Attempted Murder.

Furthermore, the jury determined 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.

Judge Rafael Vazquez will sentence Powell on January 9, 2025. He faces up to life in state prison.

This case was investigated by former King City Detective Juan Rodriguez, and District Attorney

Investigator Dominique Hohmann.

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