Moorpark Cold Case Murder Trial Approaching An End

Tuesday March 11, 2025

     Update--After the prosecution rested its case, testimony continued Tuesday in the cold case Moorpark murder trial with the defense presenting its case with several witnesses including the defendant's family members and the defendant himself.

     73-year-old Antoine Nehme of Victorville took the witness stand in his own defense.

     Nehme is charged with First Degree Murder, Conspiracy, and Solicitation of Murder.

     He is also facing a Special Circumstance Allegation of Murder for Financial Gain.

     He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has denied the special circumstance allegation.

     Since prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty the punishment should Nehme be convicted would be life without parole.

     Nehme was 52-years-old when 71-year-old Dennis Leroy Wood of Moorpark was killed.

     It was April of 2004 and Wood was found shot to death in his home in the 12500 block of Mountain Trail Street.

     The investigation into who was involved in Wood's death went cold but over the years Ventura County Major Crimes detectives would review the case.

     Then a few years ago Nehme, who knew Wood, became a person of interest.

     Further investigation led to his arrest and charges in May of last year.

     The trial continues Wednesday and the jury could get the case as early as next week.