CA - Paul Perez, 57, killed 5 of his infant children in 2007, Yolo Co, *Arrest in 2020*

[OneLove]

Trial date set for father charged with infant homicides

WOODLAND — More than four years after his arrest, a former Yolo County man is set to stand trial this fall on charges he brutally abused and murdered five of

www.davisenterprise.com

April 12, 2024

WOODLAND — More than four years after his arrest, a former Yolo County man is set to stand trial this fall on charges he brutally abused and murdered five of his infant children over a nine-year period.
Paul Allen Perez, 61, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of the allegations, which the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office filed in January 2020 after linking him by DNA to one of the slain children.
The investigation began years earlier, in 2007, with a fisherman's discovery of a weighted-down metal cooler in a slough east of Woodland. Inside were the remains of an infant believed to be less than 6 months old when he suffered blunt-force trauma and died, Yolo County coroner's officials said.
[.....]
From there, investigators looked for birth records connected to Perez, ultimately finding six children fathered with his second wife, Yolanda: Brittany, born in 1990; Kato, born in 1992; Mika, born in 1995; Nikko, born in 1996; Nikko Lee, born in 1997; and another Kato, born in 2001, Yolo County Deputy Coroner Laurel Weeks testified at Perez's 2021 preliminary hearing.


[.....]
Of the six, only Brittany is known to be alive today, according to court testimony. Both she and Yolanda Perez underwent multiple interviews with Yolo County sheriff's detectives during which they confessed to witnessing the infants' abuse and disappearances, but never reported them because Perez allegedly threatened them with physical harm and death.
Yolanda Perez also told detectives that the remains of other children also were sunk into Conway Slough, but searches of the area yielded no results.
The DA’s Office later charged Yolanda Perez with murder and child endangerment in connection with four of the deaths. She pleaded guilty to the child endangerment counts in September 2022 and still awaits sentencing, but is free on her own recognizance until then.

Brittany, the sole surviving offspring, would have been 5 years old when the 2nd baby was born, well old enough to have detailed memories of Mika, Nikko, Nikko L, and Kato. Thats 4 siblings that were violently abused and then disappeared from the face of the earth, 5 if you count the one born when Brittany was 2. Was she alone allowed to survive because she was primarily used to care for this series of babies? I can't begin to imagine the frustration levels of a small child being responsible for babies in a home with severely abusive and disfunctional adults. As a child charged from the age of 3 with the care of 4 successive toddlers born ~annually, I can empathize with Brittany's position. Thankfully, my mother was not physically abusive, just emotionally disconnected and vacant and, though extremely frustrated and distressed at times, I never became homicidally violent with my own siblings. Whatever went on in that home, Brittany was a horribly unfortunate victim of both parents, extended family and community, and systems that failed to intervene. My prayers are lifted up for her. I hope she has found peace in her life.

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, July 29th:
*Review Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nikko Lee Perez (approx. 3 mos. when found; b. Nov. 8, 1996 in Fresno, found March 29, 2007 east of Woodland in an irrigation slough & was wrapped in a Winnie the Pooh blanket & a layer of plastic before being placed in a metal cooler. The cooler was weighed down with heavy objects & submerged in the slough, located about 15 miles northwest of Sacramento. He suffered a fractured skull & other blunt force trauma. He also had healing fractures, including broken ribs, that showed a pattern of abuse), Kato Allen Perez (b. 1992 in Merced, known to be dead), Mika Alena Perez (b. 1995 in Merced, not found), Nikko Lee Perez (b. 1997 in Fresno, not found) & Kato Krow Perez (b. 2001 in Fresno, not found) - *Yolanda Teresa Perez (?) arraigned & charged (9/21/22) with 4 counts of murder & 4 counts of child abuse/endangerment. Plead guilty to 4 counts of child abuse & the 4 counts of murder were dismissed. Yolo County
Perez is free on her own recognizance until sentencing.
Judge Daniel M. Wolk. Defense attorney Rodney J. Beede court appointed.
Court info from 9/21/22 thru 12/20/24 reference post #219 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...des-ago-yolo-co-arrest-in-2020.499745/page-11
1/15/25 Update: Review hearing held. Continued by Party' motion. Defense counsel needs time to speak with defendant. Attorney Landers to be reassigned. Trailing with defendant in case #CR2020-383. Next review hearing on 1/21/25 was vacated. Next review hearing on 1/30/25 @ 9am.
1/30/25 Update: Review status hearing held before Judge Daniel M. Wolk. Next status review hearing on 7/29/25 @ 9am.

ALSO:
*Trial Setting Conference Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nikko Lee Perez (approx. 3 mos. when found; b. Nov. 8, 1996 in Fresno, found March 29, 2007 east of Woodland in an irrigation slough & was wrapped in a Winnie the Pooh blanket & a layer of plastic before being placed in a metal cooler. The cooler was weighed down with heavy objects & submerged in the slough, located about 15 miles northwest of Sacramento. He suffered a fractured skull & other blunt force trauma. He also had healing fractures, including broken ribs, that showed a pattern of abuse), Kato Allen Perez (b. 1992 in Merced, known to be dead), Mika Alena Perez (b. 1995 in Merced, not found), Nikko Lee Perez (b. 1997 in Fresno, not found) & Kato Krow Perez (b. 2001 in Fresno, not found) - *Paul Allen Perez (30 @ time of first crime (1992)/57/now 63) arrested (1/21/20) & charged (1/22/20) & arraigned (1/28/20) with 5 counts of premeditated murder with special circumstances of lying in wait [special circumstances were dismissed], torture & multiple victims, 4 counts of assault on a child under 8 with force likely to produce great bodily injury resulting in death & criminal enhancements for his prior convictions. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Remanded to Sheriff’s custody (3/24/21) no bond. DP will not seek DP. Yolo County
Trial was set to begin on 1/21/25 was vacated by Judge on 1/15/25 & continued on 8/18/25.
Judge Daniel M. Wolk presiding. Yolo County DA Jeff Reisig. Defense attorney public defender Johnson.
Info on children & court info from 1/28/20 thru 1/9/25 reference post #219 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...des-ago-yolo-co-arrest-in-2020.499745/page-11
1/15/25 Update: Trial readiness conference was continued Party's motion. Defendant to hire pathologist. Time waived. Subpoena documents released. Dinsmore, Shohl, LLP to DDA Robbins. Motion granted. Defense's motion to continue jury trial; court finds good cause to continue. Remanded to the custody of the Sheriff. No bail. Next trial setting conference hearing on 1/30/25 @ 9am.
1/30/25 Update: Trial Setting Conference hearing held before Judge Daniel M. Wolk. Time waiver limited to 8/18/25. Last day to file motions 7/25/25 if any remaining. Remanded to the custody of the Sheriff, bail amount set at no bail. Next trial readiness conference hearing on 7/29/25 @ 9am & trial set to begin on 8/18/25 @ 9am for 9 weeks.

 

[Niner]

I knew I should have looked yesterday for any docket updates.... Looks like he had a hearing in June & July. I will try & remember to look before his next hearing in October.... Sorry!

Paul:

Events & Hearings:
02/13/2025 Document Sent To
Comment: PLACED ON CAL SHELF FOR HEARING ON 07/29/25 DEPT 8

06/17/2025 Request
Comment: PEOPLE'S CALENDAR REQUEST

06/18/2025 Request
Comment: PEOPLE'S REQUEST TO VACATE AND CALENDAR

06/23/2025 Document Sent To
Comment: DEPT. 8 FOR REVIEW

06/30/2025 *Review
Judicial Officer: Mock, Stephen L
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated
Comment: STATUS CONFERENCE

07/07/2025 Media Request Received
Comment: FROM KOVR CBS 13 FOR 7/29/25 COURT DATE

07/07/2025 Document Sent To
Comment: MEDIA REQUEST SENT TO DEPT 8

07/07/2025 Memorandum of Points & Authorities
Comment: Motion to Continue

07/08/2025 *Review
Minute Order
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: *Continued Party's Motion
Comment: Status Conference; Administratively set Per Judge Wolk

07/08/2025 Time Waiver Limited

07/08/2025 Remanded to the Custody of the Sheriff. Bail amount set at
Comment: amount of: No Bail

07/08/2025 Subpoena Documents Released
Comment: CDCR to DDA Robbins

07/08/2025 Continued by Party's Motion
Comment: PEO-Time to respond with a possible opposition to DEF motion for continuance

07/15/2025 Opposition
Comment: PEOPLE'S OPPOSITION TO DEFENSE MTN TO CONTINUE

07/16/2025 *Motion
Minute Order
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held
Comment: to Continue

07/16/2025 Motion Granted
Comment: - Defense motion to continue, granted over People's objection

07/16/2025 Time Waiver Limited
Comment: to 8/18/2025

07/16/2025 Remanded to the Custody of the Sheriff. Bail amount set at
Comment: amount of: No bail

07/17/2025 Media Request Denied
Comment: KOVR CBS 13 - 07/29/25 COURT DATE CONTINUED

07/17/2025 Certificate of Mailing

07/25/2025 Media Request Received
Comment: KOVR CBS13 NEWS FOR 8/1/25 COURT DATE

07/25/2025 Document Sent To
Comment: MEDIA REQUEST SENT TO DEPT 8

07/29/2025 *Trial Readiness Conference
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated

07/29/2025 Media Request Granted
Comment: KOVR CBS13 NEWS FOR 8/1/25 COURT DATE

07/29/2025 Certificate of Mailing
Comment: KOVR CBS13 NEWS MEDIA REQUEST FOR 8/1/25 COURT DATE SENT TO PARTIES

08/01/2025 *Review
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Comment: Time waiver

08/18/2025 *Trial: Jury
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated

10/15/2025 *Trial Readiness Conference
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM

10/20/2025 *Trial: Jury
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Comment: (6 weeks; LTW 8/18/25; IC)


link: Superior Court of California - County of Yolo

 

[Niner]

Yolanda

Events & Hearings:
07/29/2025 *Review
Minute Order
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held
Comment: Status

07/29/2025 Remote Appearance
Comment: -- Defendant

07/29/2025 Time Waived

07/29/2025 Remains on OR

10/10/2025 *Review
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Comment: (Status)


link: Superior Court of California - County of Yolo

 

[Niner]

Friday, August 1st:
*Review Hearing (@ 9am PT) – CA – Nikko Lee Perez (approx. 3 mos. when found; b. Nov. 8, 1996 in Fresno, found March 29, 2007 east of Woodland in an irrigation slough & was wrapped in a Winnie the Pooh blanket & a layer of plastic before being placed in a metal cooler. The cooler was weighed down with heavy objects & submerged in the slough, located about 15 miles northwest of Sacramento. He suffered a fractured skull & other blunt force trauma. He also had healing fractures, including broken ribs, that showed a pattern of abuse), Kato Allen Perez (b. 1992 in Merced, known to be dead), Mika Alena Perez (b. 1995 in Merced, not found), Nikko Lee Perez (b. 1997 in Fresno, not found) & Kato Krow Perez (b. 2001 in Fresno, not found) - *Paul Allen Perez (30 @ time of first crime (1992)/57/now 63) arrested (1/21/20) & charged (1/22/20) & arraigned (1/28/20) with 5 counts of premeditated murder with special circumstances of lying in wait [special circumstances were dismissed], torture & multiple victims, 4 counts of assault on a child under 8 with force likely to produce great bodily injury resulting in death & criminal enhancements for his prior convictions. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. Remanded to Sheriff’s custody (3/24/21) no bond. DP will not seek DP. Yolo County
Trial was set to begin on 1/21/25 was vacated by Judge on 1/15/25 & continued on 8/18/25 & continued on 10/20/25.
Judge Daniel M. Wolk presiding. Yolo County DA Jeff Reisig. Defense attorney public defender Johnson.
Info on children & court info from 1/28/20 thru 1/15/25 reference post #222 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...des-ago-yolo-co-arrest-in-2020.499745/page-12
1/30/25 Update: Trial Setting Conference hearing held before Judge Daniel M. Wolk. Time waiver limited to 8/18/25. Last day to file motions 7/25/25 if any remaining. Remanded to the custody of the Sheriff, bail amount set at no bail. Next trial readiness conference hearing on 7/29/25 @ 9am & trial set to begin on 8/18/25 @ 9am for 9 weeks.
2/13/25 Docket update: Document Sent To. Place on Cal shelf for hearing on 7/29/25.6/17/25 Docket update: Request: People's calendar request. 6/18/25 Docket update: Request: People\s request to vacate & calendar. 6/23/25 Docket update: Document sent to Dept. 8 for review. 6/30/25 Docket update: Review status conference hearing on 6/30/25 was vacated.
7/7/25 Docket update: Media request received from KOVR CBS13 for 7/29/25 court date. Document sent to Dept. 8. Memorandum of points & authorities. Motion to continue. 7/8/25 update: Review status conference continued party's motion. Time waiver limited. Remanded to custody of the Sheriff. Bail amount set at - No bail. Subpoena documents release: CDCR to DDA Robbins. PEO-Time to respond with a possible opposition to defendant's motion for continuance. 7/15/25 Docket update: People's opposition to defense motion to continue. 7/16/25 Update: Motion hearing held with Judge Daniel M. Wolk presiding. To continue. Docket update: Defense's motion to continued-granted over People's objection. Time waiver limited to 8/18/25. Remanded to the custody of Sheriff. Bail amount stays at no bail. 7/17/25 Docket update: Media request denied for KOVR CBS13 for 7/29/25 court date continued. Certificate of mailing. 7/25/26 Docket update: Media request received from KOV CBS13 for 8/1/25 court date. Media request sent to Dept. 8.
7/29/25 Update: Trial readiness conference hearing was vacated. Docket update: Media request-granted for KOVR CBS13 News for 8/1/25 court date. Next review hearing on 8/1/25 @ 9am. Time waiver. Jury trial on 8/18/25 was vacated. Trial readiness conference hearing on 10/15/25 @ 9am & trial will not begin on 10/20/25 @ 9am.
*Yolanda Teresa Perez () – Plead guilty to 4 counts of child abuse; murder charges dismissed (9/21/22). Review hearing on 10/10/25.

 

[Niner]

Paul:

Event & Hearings:
08/01/2025 *Review
Minute Order
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Result: Held
Comment: Time waiver

08/01/2025 Time Waiver Limited

08/01/2025 Remanded to the Custody of the Sheriff. Bail amount set at
Comment: amount of: No Bail

08/18/2025 *Trial: Jury
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Cancel Reason: Vacated

10/15/2025 *Trial Readiness Conference
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM

10/20/2025 *Trial: Jury
Judicial Officer: Wolk, Daniel M
Hearing Time: 9:00 AM
Comment: (6 weeks; LTW 8/18/25; IC)


link: Superior Court of California - County of Yolo