Jury convicts local “Axe Murderer” from a 2022 crime; Monterey County DA’s Office
KING CITY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The Monterey County District Attorney announced that a local jury convicted Kevin James Powell of first-degree murder and attempted murder for a crime committed on September 14, 2022.
They said the victim and his brother were visiting from out of town for work and staying at the Motel 6 in King City. After returning from dinner one night, the DA's office said that the two men were standing outside their hotel room talking while another guest--later identified as Powell--parked his car near the victims.
According to the DA's office, Powell was a stranger to the brothers. They said that after he got out of his car, he rummaged the rear passenger seat before producing a three-foot axe and attacking the men.
One of the brothers escaped and suffered only minor injuries, while the other brother tripped and received serious injuries from the assault, later dying at the hospital, according to the DA's office.
Later, Powell told investigators that his motive was driven by a "methamphetamine-induced psychosis."
The DA's office said that the jury determined that Powell used a deadly weapon, committed a crime with great violence and cruelty, as well as had a prior strike for "street terrorism," and so he was convicted.
Powell now faces up to life in state prison, according to the DA's office.
Police: Mother and son arrested in connection with King City homicide
KING CITY, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE 1:28 PM- King City PD said that two people were arrested in connection with a murder in King City on Wednesday night.
Kevin James Powell, 27, and his mother, Connie McKinley, 49, were arrested on Thursday morning in Greenfield after officers reviewed video surveillance footage.
Officers were dispatched to the 0 block of Broadway Circle at 7:28 p.m. When officers got to the scene, they found a 27-year-old male victim lying on the ground. The male was suffering from multiple stab wounds. Officers began performing first aid procedures until medical personnel responded.
The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he passed away from his injuries.
Investigators examined the scene and conducted interviews with witnesses. King City PD said they developed a suspect, which ended up being Powell.
A search warrant was served at Powell's residence on the 200 block of Third Street in Greenfield. Powell was found at his residence. McKinley was arrested as well for being an accessory after the fact to murder. Both suspects were booked into the Monterey County Jail.
Powell's bail is set at $2,000,000 for murder and attempted murder, according to the inmate log. The Monterey County District Attorney's Office said Powell is expected to be arraigned Monday on murder.
McKinley could face up to 3 years in county jail if found guilty of felony accessory to murder after the fact, the DA's Office said. She could also possibly face felony probation or 16 months in county jail.
Original Story
Several police sources confirmed with KION that someone was arrested for a murder in King City that happened Wednesday night.
All the sources could say was that the stabbing happened in King City, but a Greenfield resident was arrested. The suspect was also arrested in Greenfield.
