Anthony Nardini, a 42-year-old California resident, is facing a potential life sentence after being convicted of attempting to murder his son using a sledgehammer. The jury found Nardini guilty on three felony charges, which included attempted murder, aggravated mayhem, and assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident took place on March 19, 2023, in a remote area of Ventura County near Simi Valley. Nardini and his son, who had recently reconciled after a period of estrangement, were residing with family members at the time. Earlier in the evening, a physical dispute between Nardini and his son had escalated, requiring family members to intervene. Nardini departed the scene in his truck, only to return later that night.
Upon his return, Nardini discovered his son sleeping on the couch. He persuaded the other family members to retire for the night. Once he was alone with his son, Nardini used a sledgehammer he found on the property to assault his sleeping son. The noise of the attack woke the other family members, who discovered the victim with severe head injuries. Nardini made his escape through the backdoor.
Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene to find a sledgehammer covered in blood outside the residence. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was put into a medically induced coma due to the severity of his injuries. Despite the vicious assault, the young man managed to survive.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Stu Gardner, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit, expressed hope that the conviction would provide some comfort to the victim. Nardini is set to be sentenced on November 1, 2023, in the Ventura County Superior Court. He is currently being held without bail, facing a life sentence with the possibility of parole.