Prosecutors say Parrish Chambers, Jr. smashed his way into Connie Dadkhah’s home and beat her to death. He also faces accusations that he victimized Connie for years. Chambers has pleaded not guilty in a trial that could last more than two weeks, revealing shocking evidence and testimony from more than 50 potential witnesses.
The high-profile case grabbed attention not just for the dramatic way Connie’s life ended, but also for the scrutiny that emerged about the San Diego Police Department’s emergency response and decision-making the night police say her suspected killer invaded her home.
The night before Connie’s body was found, neighbors called 911 a dozen times, pleading for help. It took nearly two hours for police to arrive and they left about 15 minutes after they couldn’t make contact with Connie or anyone in her condo. Police say forcing entry carries high legal standards and officers at the scene had reason to believe the defendant lived there. He didn’t.
Read what happened in court each day:
- Background (Monday, July 15): Killing of Rancho Peñasquitos woman triggered scrutiny over SDPD's response
- Day 1 (Tuesday, July 16): First day of jury selection begins in Rancho Peñasquitos murder trial
- Day 2 (Wednesday, July 18): Jurors chosen in Rancho Peñasquitos condo killing trial
- Day 3 (Monday, July 22): Prosecutors say San Diego Police Department failed Rancho Peñasquitos murder victim
- Day 4 (Tuesday, July 23): Rancho Peñasquitos murder trial witness testifies about delayed police response
- Day 5 (Wednesday, July 24): Graphic forensic evidence takes center stage on Day 3 of Rancho Peñasquitos murder trial
- Day 6 (Thursday, July 25): Defense accuses prosecution of misconduct in Rancho Peñasquitos murder trial
- Day 7 (Tuesday, July 30): Rancho Peñasquitos murder suspect takes the stand in his own defense
- Day 8 (Wednesday, July 31): Heated expert witness testimony in Rancho Peñasquitos murder trial
- Day 9 (Thursday, Aug. 1): Crime scene expert questioned about a lack of victim's blood in Rancho Peñasquitos murder trial
- Day 10 (Monday, Aug. 5): Rancho Peñasquitos murder trial now in the hands of the jury
- Verdict Day (Friday, Aug. 9): Mistrial declared on murder charge in killing of Rancho Peñasquitos woman