Testimony Continues In Trial Of Thousand Oaks Man Charged With Torture-Murder Of Girlfriend

Sunday September 29, 2024

     Updated--Testimony continues Monday in the trial of a Ventura County man accused of the long term torture of his live-in girlfriend that the authorities say ultimately led to her death.

     24-year-old Saul Nava of Thousand Oaks has pleaded not guilty to nine felony charges including aggravated mayhem, torture, and first degree murder.

     He has also denied more than 30 special allegations.

     The charges and special allegations not only involve 24-year-old Alisen Escobar's death but also what appears to have been the extensive physical abuse allegedly by Nava.

     On Christmas Eve 2021, deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence in the 600 block of McCloud Avenue in Thousand Oaks where they found Escobar who they say had been beaten to death.

     The authorities determined that she had allegedly been tortured leading up to her death.

     Nava was arrested at the scene.

     Before testimony began last Thursday, the prosecution presented their opening statement.

     The defense chose to reserve their opening statement.

     The first witness was a Ventura County Sheriff's Sergeant who contacted Nava at the scene.

     The evidence included video from his body worn camera.

     Two other witnesses were called to the stand before they recessed for the weekend.

     There was no court on Friday because of the Native American Holiday.

     Nava remains in the Ventura County Jail and is being held without bail.