California dad killed 5 of his children over a decade

After years of unimaginable horror, California father Paul Allen Perez has finally been brought to justice for the murders of five of his children and the abuse of another. Perez, 63, a transient, was convicted on four counts of murder and one count of assault on a child under 8 resulting in death by the Yolo County District Attorney’s office.

The tragic saga began in 2007 when investigators discovered the remains of an infant hidden in a cooler submerged in a canal. DNA testing later revealed that the child, who was approximately 1 month old at the time of death, was Perez’s biological son. The child was identified as Nikko Lee Perez, born in Fresno in 1996.

Further investigations revealed that Nikko was one of five siblings who had died at the hands of their father. The deceased children, including those with the same names, were born to Yolanda Perez, the mother of the children. Yolanda, who faced years of abuse and threats from Perez, recalled the first killing in 1992 when she heard her husband hitting one of their children.

Perez was charged with five counts of first-degree murder, including special circumstances for torture in 2020. Throughout the trial, Yolanda testified about the abuse she endured and the threats she faced if she went to the authorities. She pleaded guilty to child endangerment and now faces up to 10 years in prison.

The couple had six children together, with Brittany being the only surviving child. Deputy District Attorney David Robbins argued during the trial that Perez showed no remorse or regret for his actions, indicating a mindset of a killer.

The jury found Perez guilty of one count of first-degree murder and three counts of second-degree murder. However, they could not agree on the involuntary manslaughter charge, resulting in a mistrial. Perez pleaded not guilty and faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The sentencing is scheduled for April 6, 2026, in Yolo County Superior Court.

Despite the verdict, the remains of only two of the five children have been recovered to date. The DA’s office is determined to ensure that justice is served for the innocent lives lost at the hands of Perez.