JURY CONVICTS SAN SIMEON MAN OF ASSAULT LIKELY TO CAUSE GREAT BODILY INJURY AND BATTERY AT A STATE PARK

Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced today that on September 2, 2026, after a two-day jury trial, David Carl Goad, age 69 of San Simeon, was found guilty of felony assault by means likely to cause great bodily injury and misdemeanor battery committed on state parks property.

On May 17, 2026, Mr. Goad began to disassemble a toilet in the restrooms at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, in Big Sur, to fix an issue with the toilet. The victim, a State Parks maintenance employee, asked Mr. Goad to stop what he was doing and leave the restroom to allow State Parks maintenance staff to fix the problem. Mr. Goad became hostile and combative with the victim, ultimately attacking the victim from behind when the victim turned his back to close and lock the restroom door. The victim testified that Mr. Goad placed his hands around the victim's neck and applied pressure. The victim was able to break free after a brief struggle and report the incident to State Parks Rangers. Rangers observed visible red marks on the victim's neck.

The Honorable Judge Pamela Butler will pronounce sentence on October 2, 2026. Mr. Goad faces up to three years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

This case was investigated by State Parks Ranger Tyler Dempewolf and DA Investigator John Magana.