A court hearing that was expected to be routine descended into violence and chaos when a man on trial for murdering his girlfriend attacked the presiding judge after declaring that his victim had “deserved to die.”
David Paradiso, 28, was accused of killing his 20-year-old girlfriend, Eileen Pelt, by stabbing her in the neck inside his mother’s car. According to police reports, Paradiso had forced his mother to drive so he could dispose of the body near a wooded area. He had been held on remand for two years while awaiting trial.
During the hearing, prosecutors asked Paradiso why he had committed the murder. His shocking response stunned the courtroom. “She deserved to die,” he said. Gasps filled the room as members of his family protested that he was mentally ill and unfit to testify.
His mother, Debra Paradiso, left the courtroom, visibly upset, while Superior Court Judge Cinda Fox called a recess and sent the jury out of the room. As the last jurors were filing out, the situation escalated dramatically.
Paradiso suddenly jumped from the witness box and attacked Judge Fox, punching her before pulling out an improvised six-inch metal weapon and stabbing her repeatedly in the arm. Investigators later revealed that he had created at least two homemade weapons.
Detective Eric Bradley, part of the murder investigation team, responded immediately. He approached the bench and fired three shots at Paradiso, striking him in the head and killing him instantly. His decisive action stopped the attack and likely prevented further injury or fatalities.
Debra Paradiso later stated that she believed her son had intentionally tried to provoke a deadly response from authorities. “I am sure that is what he wanted,” she said, explaining that she feared he would bring a weapon into the courtroom and that his severe mental health struggles were not being adequately addressed.
A post-mortem conducted after the attack revealed that Paradiso had traces of methamphetamine in his system at the time. His mother said she had alerted law enforcement anonymously two weeks earlier that she suspected he had acquired or created a weapon. Authorities reportedly searched his cell but did not find anything.
“He had a weapon. We called and told the jail two weeks ago. They searched his cell and did not find it,” she said. “Why was he not thoroughly searched before going into court today? He jumped up, tried to stab the judge, and they shot him. They did not believe he was crazy. Now do they believe it?”
Paradiso’s brother, Aaron, also highlighted concerns about his brother’s mental health. “We reported all his mental problems. They were documented. He told his lawyer he did not want to go on the stand,” he said. “Well, it is over now, right?”
The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of courtroom security protocols, particularly for cases involving defendants with known mental health issues or violent histories. Legal experts have called for stricter screening procedures, enhanced security measures, and better coordination between law enforcement, correctional facilities, and the courts to prevent similar tragedies.
Judge Fox was treated for non-life-threatening injuries to her arm and is expected to make a full recovery. Law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into how the improvised weapons were brought into the courtroom and whether security procedures failed to prevent the attack.
The case has also raised broader questions about how the justice system handles defendants with mental health concerns and substance abuse problems. Advocates have pointed out that warning signs and previous reports, such as those made by Paradiso’s family, should be taken seriously to avoid preventable incidents.
The attack has left the local community shocked and grieving, particularly Eileen Pelt’s friends and family, who continue to mourn her death. Authorities have confirmed that they will conduct a thorough review of all protocols to ensure that judges, court staff, jurors, and the public are better protected in the future.
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