Diana Pena out on bail after taking plea deal

Diana Pena, who was in custody for charges related to the murder of a Monterey doctor, was due in court for a status check, but did not appear because she is out on bail.

Pena took a plea deal and pleaded guilty to accessory to murder in connection to the death of Dr. Thomas Burchard. Her attorney insists she had nothing to do with the doctor’s death.

Pena said Jon Logan Kennison, the boyfriend of suspect Kelsey Turner, raised a baseball bat at Burchard. She said she did not see Kennison hit Burchard, but saw injuries to Burchard’s head. She later said Turner asked Kennison to “knock Thomas out.” The coroner said Burchard died of blunt force trauma.

After Burchard’s death, Pena said they traveled back and forth between hotels and homes. Pena’s lawyer said she only accepted the plea saying she should have gone to the police sooner.

As part of the plea deal, she will not be sentenced until after Turner and Kennison’s trial for Burchard’s murder. Pena is likely to testify against them.

Jury selection for Kennison and Turner’s trial will take place on July 27, 2020.