In this image taken from San Francisco Police Department body-camera video, Paul Pelosi (right) fights for control of a hammer with his assailant David DePape during a brutal attack in the couple’s San Francisco home, Oct. 28, 2022. | San Francisco Police Department via AP
A San Francisco judge dismissed several state charges against David DePape, the attacker of Paul Pelosi, citing double jeopardy. DePape was previously convicted in federal court and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Key Points:
Dismissal of State Charges:
The judge ruled that state charges against DePape, including attempted murder, elder abuse, and assault with a deadly weapon, constituted double jeopardy following his federal conviction.The dismissal was based on the argument that the state charges stemmed from the same act as the federal charges.
Federal Conviction:
DePape was convicted in federal court for assaulting a federal official’s family member and attempting to kidnap a federal official.He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for these federal crimes.
Remaining State Charges:
Despite the dismissal of some charges, DePape still faces state charges of false imprisonment, residential burglary, threatening a family member of a public official, attempting to sway a witness, and aggravated kidnapping.He has pleaded not guilty to all remaining charges.
Details of the Attack:
DePape attacked Paul Pelosi, husband of former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with a hammer in their San Francisco home in October 2022.Paul Pelosi, then 82, suffered serious injuries, including a skull fracture and injuries to his right arm and hand.
Context and Reactions:
The attack occurred just days before the 2022 midterm elections, causing widespread shock.DePape admitted during the federal trial that he planned to interrogate Nancy Pelosi and harm her if she did not confess to alleged lies.
The dismissal of several state charges against David DePape follows his conviction and sentencing in federal court, with the judge citing double jeopardy concerns. DePape continues to face other serious state charges as legal proceedings continue.
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