October 22, 2024: James Louis Boyd III Sentenced to 50 Years to Life in Prison for Assault on Two Hawthorne Police Officers

The case was prosecuted by LADA's Crimes Against Peace Officers Section (CAPOS)

TORRANCE, CA - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced that James Louis Boyd III was sentenced by Judge Hector Guzman to 50 years to life plus nine years and four months in prison for violently assaulting two Hawthorne police officers who were responding to a domestic dispute call in April 2019.

"Justice has been served with the sentencing of James Louis Boyd III to life in prison for his heinous actions on two officers during a violent domestic disturbance call," District Attorney Gascón said. "Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our county safe. These officers were simply doing their job to protect and serve our community and were met with unimaginable violence. Our thoughts remain with them and their families as they continue to recover from this traumatic event."

On Sept. 26, 2023, Boyd was convicted by a jury in case YA099538 of two counts of assault on a peace officer with a semi-automatic firearm, and one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle. Following 12 days of trial, the jury found true the allegations that during each applicable charged offense, Boyd used a firearm as well as inflicted great bodily injury. The jury also found true each of the charged aggravating factors during the crime.

On Oct. 21, he was sentenced to 50 years to life plus nine years, four months in state prison in Dept. F of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Torrance Branch.

The case was prosecuted by LADA's Crimes Against Peace Officers Section (CAPOS) and was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

"I want to extend my deepest gratitude and commend the incredible work of CAPOS, in particular Deputy District Attorney Geoffrey Lewin, who led the prosecution," District Attorney Gascón continued. "Their diligent efforts in building a strong case ensured that justice was not only sought but achieved. Through their tireless work, they secured a conviction that reflects the gravity of this crime. This life sentence sends a clear message that acts of violence against those who protect us will not be tolerated. I also want to thank the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department for its diligent and productive investigative work and partnership with our office while prosecuting this case."

On April 7, 2019, Boyd (dob 4/4/82), of Oceanside, assaulted two police officers responding to a domestic dispute call involving Boyd and his girlfriend at a hotel in Hawthorne. Boyd used a rifle to shoot at one of the patrol cars, shattering a window. One officer was injured during the shooting.