Perttu v. Richards

On June 18, 2025, in Los Angeles, David Richards forcibly entered the residence of John Perttu while armed with a knife and shouting threats. Perttu confronted the intruder and, during the ensuing struggle, managed to disarm Richards, causing minor injuries to the attacker. The state charged Richards with first-degree burglary and aggravated assault. Simultaneously, Perttu initiated a civil suit for assault, battery, trespass, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The civil jury found Richards liable and awarded Perttu $150,000 in compensatory damages. In a parallel criminal trial, Richards was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison. The case underscored the protections afforded to homeowners under California’s Castle Doctrine and the viability of dual civil-criminal remedies.

The civil jury found Richards liable on all counts and awarded Perttu $150,000 in compensatory damages. The criminal court convicted Richards of first-degree burglary and aggravated assault, imposing a five-year prison term.

Whether Richards' actions constituted the intentional torts of assault, battery, and trespass, and the appropriate scope of compensatory damages; whether the state proved the elements of first-degree burglary and aggravated assault beyond a reasonable doubt; and the relationship between the civil verdict and the criminal conviction.

The case drew significant media attention and reinforced public support for self-defense rights within the home. It prompted legislative discussions on strengthening penalties for home invasions and highlighted the effectiveness of civil litigation as a complementary avenue for victim compensation alongside criminal prosecution.