Axe Murderer in King City Sentenced to 76 Years to Life in State Prison

SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on January 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 September 14 of 2022, the dead 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 December 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.

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

Investigator Dominique Hohmann.

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