Man Used Baseball Bats and Hammer to Kill Girlfriend, Found Guilty of Murder
In a harrowing case out of California, a 24-year-old man, S. Nava, is facing a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of causing the death of his girlfriend, 24-year-old A. Escobar, on Christmas Eve 2021. The conviction came swiftly, with the jury deliberating for just one day, emphasizing the overwhelming evidence against Nava.
Nava was convicted on nine felony charges, including first-degree murder, torture, kidnapping, aggravated mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of child pornography, and inflicting corporal injury on a cohabitant. These charges paint a disturbing picture of Nava’s violent and controlling behavior, which tragically culminated in Escobar’s brutal death during what should have been a time of celebration.
Senior Deputy District Attorney D. Russell, who prosecuted the case, acknowledged the pain the victim’s family had endured but hoped the conviction would bring some sense of justice. “While this result cannot undo the immense harm inflicted on the victims and their families, we hope that seeing Nava held accountable for his horrific crimes brings some degree of closure,” Russell said.
The horrifying sequence of events began when Nava called 911 from their shared apartment, seeking medical help for Escobar after days of relentless abuse. When authorities arrived, they discovered a devastating scene: Escobar had sustained severe injuries, including a large laceration on her head, bruises covering her body, and degrading words tattooed on her chest.
Inside the apartment, investigators found multiple items used in the murder, including tattoo equipment, baseball bats, a hammer, and a screwdriver. Videos retrieved from Nava’s phone, recorded just hours before Escobar’s death, showed him taunting her and displaying a disturbing lack of empathy for her suffering.
During the trial, Nava took the stand in his own defense. He admitted to harming Escobar but denied any intent to kill her. He justified his actions by claiming he believed she had been unfaithful, stating that he wanted her to “feel the pain I felt.” In a chilling remark, he told the court, “The more you hurt, the less likely you are to repeat the action.”
The investigation also revealed a history of abusive behavior by Nava toward other partners. One ex-girlfriend testified that she had endured severe physical and emotional abuse during her relationship with Nava, including being confined to a closet and beaten. The abuse ended only when Nava began his relationship with Escobar.
Although the jury did not find Nava guilty of the special circumstance allegation of murder involving torture—which could have led to life in prison without parole—he still faces the possibility of a life sentence when he returns to court for sentencing on December 4, 2024.
As the community and families affected by this tragic case await the sentencing, there is a growing reflection on the importance of preventing domestic abuse and strengthening protections for victims to prevent such devastating crimes in the future.
