Jury Convicts San Simeon Man of Assault Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury and Battery at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur

 

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on September 3

that on September 2, 2026, after a two-day jury trial 69-year-old David Carl Goad of San Simeon, was

found guilty of felony assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury and misdemeanor battery

committed on state parks property.

On May 17, 2026, Goad began to disassemble a toilet in the restrooms at Julia Pfeiffer Burns

State Park, in Big Sur, to fix an issue with the toilet. The victim, a State Parks maintenance

employee, asked Goad to stop what he was doing and leave the restroom to allow State Parks

maintenance staff to fix the problem. Goad became hostile and combative with the victim,

ultimately attacking the victim from behind when the victim turned his back to close and lock the

restroom door. The victim testified that Goad placed his hands around the victim’s neck and

applied pressure. The victim was able to break free after a brief struggle and report the incident to

State Parks Rangers. Rangers observed visible red marks on the victim’s neck.

The Honorable Judge Pamela Butler will pronounce a sentence on October 2, 2026. Goad faces

up to three years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

This case was investigated by State Parks Ranger Tyler Dempewolf and DA Investigator John

Magana.