What were David DePape’s sentences?

He received 30 years in federal prison (17 May 2024) and a California sentence of life imprisonment without parole (29 Oct 2024).

Do the federal and state sentences run together?

Yes, they are effectively concurrent, but the state life-without-parole term controls his incarceration.

Where is he being held?

In California state custody, with records indicating initial placement at the California Correctional Institution (Tehachapi) in November 2024.

Could appeals change his release prospects?

Even if federal outcomes changed, the California life-without-parole sentence would continue to confine him unless separately overturned.

Why did the courts impose such severe penalties?

Findings of premeditation, extremist motivation and extreme violence against an elderly victim, as well as deterrence for politically-motivated attacks.

David DePape: From Break-in to Sentencing — What We Know Now

By US Prison Guide News Desk · 11 September 2025

Key Facts at a Glance

Incident: Home invasion at the Pelosi residence in San Francisco on 28 October 2022; Paul Pelosi suffered a fractured skull and other injuries following a hammer attack.
Convictions: Guilty on federal charges (attempted kidnapping of a federal official; assault on an immediate family member of a federal official). Separate California state convictions (including burglary and related offences).
Sentences: 30 years in federal prison (imposed 17 May 2024) and a California state sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole (imposed 29 October 2024).
Custody: Transferred to California state prison; records indicate intake at the California Correctional Institution, Tehachapi (Nov 2024). The state life term controls even as the federal term is served concurrently.

From Break-in to Conviction: The Legal Journey

In the early hours of 28 October 2022, David Wayne DePape entered the Pelosi home in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights and demanded to know Nancy Pelosi’s whereabouts. He then struck Paul Pelosi with a hammer, causing a fractured skull and serious hand and arm injuries. Police arrested DePape at the scene and prosecutors later brought federal charges (attempted kidnapping of a federal official; assault on a close family member of a federal official) and state charges (including burglary and related offences).

A federal jury found DePape guilty on both counts in November 2023. Separately, a California jury convicted him on state counts; both prosecutions moved to sentencing in 2024.

The Sentencing Process & What It Means

Federal Sentence

On 17 May 2024, the federal court imposed a 30-year prison term, followed by a period of supervised release.

California State Sentence

On 29 October 2024, the state court sentenced DePape to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on California counts. While the federal and state sentences are served concurrently, the state life term means the federal release timeline is practically moot.

Where Is DePape Now?

Following state sentencing, DePape was transferred to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation custody. Records show initial placement at the California Correctional Institution (CCI) in Tehachapi in November 2024. The state system will keep him incarcerated indefinitely due to the life-without-parole term.

Why the Court Imposed Harsh Penalties

Sentencing reflected both premeditation and extreme violence. At trial, evidence indicated DePape planned to abduct Nancy Pelosi and “break her kneecaps” if he believed she lied. The hammer attack on an 82-year-old victim inside his home weighed heavily. Judges also noted the lack of remorse, extremist motivations and the need for deterrence in politically-motivated violence.

What This Means Going Forward

Practical effect: The state life-without-parole sentence governs DePape’s custody status; any federal release date is irrelevant while the state term stands.
Appeals & relief: Even if federal outcomes were altered on appeal, the state life term would continue to confine him unless separately overturned.
Wider impact: The case factors into debates about political violence, security for public officials, and the criminal-justice response to conspiracy-driven offences.

In Summary

David DePape remains incarcerated. He received 30 years in federal prison (May 2024) and a California life-without-parole sentence (Oct 2024). He is in state custody, with the state life sentence effectively controlling his incarceration horizon.

Editor’s Note on Sources

This explainer summarises the user-provided case chronology and outcomes. Official records, court dockets and correctional placements govern any future updates.

FAQs: David DePape Case & Sentencing

What did David DePape do?: He broke into the Pelosi residence in San Francisco on 28 October 2022 and struck Paul Pelosi with a hammer, seriously injuring him.
What were the convictions?: Federal convictions for attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on a close family member of a federal official; separate California state convictions including burglary and related offences.
What sentences did he receive?: 30 years in federal prison (imposed 17 May 2024) and a California sentence of life imprisonment without parole (imposed 29 October 2024).
Are the sentences concurrent or consecutive?: They are effectively concurrent, but the state life-without-parole term controls his custody, rendering the federal release timeline moot.
Where is he now?: In California state custody; records indicate intake at the California Correctional Institution (Tehachapi) in November 2024.
Could he be released on parole?: No. The state sentence is life without the possibility of parole. Only extraordinary legal relief could change that status.