In a complex investigation involving 600 pieces of evidence and 60 witness statements, a college professor has been charged with two felonies in connection to the death of a Jewish protester during a pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian rally in California.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced on Friday that Loay Abdelfattah Alnaji, a 50-year-old computer science professor at Moorpark College, is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and battery causing serious bodily injury. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on November 5 during dueling rallies in Thousand Oaks, California.

The investigation was an arduous task, according to Nasarenko, due to conflicting interpretations and statements, as well as the fragmented nature of the evidence. However, investigators were able to collect video and digital footage that helped establish a clear sequence of events leading up to the confrontation between Alnaji and the victim, identified as Paul Kessler, 69.

Nasarenko clarified that there was no evidence to suggest that the suspect had intended to commit murder. However, the investigation is ongoing with regards to determining if the incident qualifies as a hate crime. Nasarenko explained that the legal threshold for a hate crime has not yet been met, as investigators are looking for evidence of hate speech or a demonstrated "antipathy" or "hatred towards a specific group" accompanying the suspect's actions.

The fatal altercation occurred when Kessler engaged in a physical confrontation with a pro-Palestinian protester. He fell backward and struck his head on the ground, leading to his death the following day. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office stated that the suspect remained at the scene and called 911 for medical assistance.

The Ventura County Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Christopher Young, determined that Kessler's cause of death was a blunt force head injury, ultimately classified as a homicide. Nasarenko expressed his condolences to Kessler's family, who met virtually with both him and Sheriff Jim Fryhoff.

The death of Paul Kessler comes at a time of heightened tensions in the United States due to the Israel-Hamas conflict and an increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. However, it is yet to be determined if the incident was directly fueled by such sentiments.

As the legal proceedings continue, authorities aim to uncover the truth surrounding this tragic event. The Kessler family is asking for privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved one.