A man who bludgeoned Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer was convicted Friday of aggravated kidnapping by a state court, which could lead to a life sentence. This comes after David DePape was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison last month for the 2022 attack on Paul Pelosi.
Federal Conviction and State Charges
David DePape was already sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for assaulting a family member of a federal official and attempting to kidnap a federal official. On Friday, a San Francisco jury found DePape guilty of several additional charges, including first-degree burglary, false imprisonment of an elder, threatening a family member of a public official, and aggravated kidnapping.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
DePape’s public defender, Adam Lipson, acknowledged DePape’s guilt for three charges but argued that the prosecution failed to provide evidence for the charges of threatening a family member of a public official and aggravated kidnapping. Prosecutors added these charges in late May, as DePape’s federal trial was ending.
Prosecutors’ Claims
Prosecutors claimed that DePape intended to kidnap Paul Pelosi to create a video of Nancy Pelosi confessing to alleged crimes. Lipson countered that the video did not exist and would not have had any value. He emphasized that DePape’s intent was to confront and potentially harm Nancy Pelosi, not to kidnap Paul Pelosi for ransom.
Incident and Consequences
The attack on Paul Pelosi, 82, was captured on police body camera just days before the 2022 midterm elections, shocking the political world. Pelosi suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture, and will have plates and screws in his head for life. His right arm and hand were also injured.
Defense’s Argument on Double Jeopardy
Lipson argued that the state trial represented double jeopardy, as it stemmed from the same act as the federal case. Despite the criminal counts being different, he argued that it was unfair to try DePape again. The judge dismissed state charges of attempted murder, elder abuse, and assault with a deadly weapon but upheld the decision on appeal.
Prosecutor’s Rebuttal
Assistant District Attorney Phoebe Maffei emphasized DePape’s plan to record Nancy Pelosi’s confession and post it online, arguing that this plan had inherent value. Maffei also detailed DePape’s “reign of terror” on Paul Pelosi, including holding him hostage with a hammer and threatening him and his wife.
Background and Influence
DePape admitted during his federal trial that he planned to hold Nancy Pelosi hostage and “break her kneecaps” if she did not confess to lies about “Russiagate.” Lipson described DePape as having fallen into a “rabbit hole of propaganda and conspiracy theories” due to his isolated and lonely life.
Interference and Impact
This week, the judge expelled DePape’s former partner, Gypsy Taub, from the courtroom for attempting to tamper with the jury. Taub, a well-known Bay Area activist, handed out materials promoting conspiracy theories.
DePape’s Background
DePape’s federal public defender claimed Taub introduced DePape to extreme beliefs. DePape’s twin sister, Joanne Robinson, wrote to the federal judge seeking leniency, stating that Taub had isolated DePape from his family and inflicted severe psychological damage.
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