Simi Valley, Calif. — Cesar Manuel Zavala (DOB: 12/12/1985), of Simi Valley, has pled guilty in a domestic violence case involving the attempted murder of his girlfriend.
On December 9, 2025, Zavala pled guilty to attempted murder (Penal Code § 664/187) and accepted a negotiated plea agreement calling for six years in state prison. As part of the plea, Zavala admitted to several sentencing enhancements and aggravating factors, including:
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Two counts of Penal Code § 12022(b)(1) – use of a deadly weapon
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California Rules of Court 4.421(a)(1) – the crime involved great violence
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California Rules of Court 4.421(a)(2) – the defendant was armed with or used a weapon during the commission of the crime
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California Rules of Court 4.421(b)(1) – the defendant engaged in violent conduct indicating a serious danger to society
The charges stem from an incident on November 23, 2025, when officers from the Simi Valley Police Department responded to the Simi Valley Hospital emergency room regarding a reported domestic violence assault. Officers contacted an adult female victim who displayed multiple visible injuries. The victim reported the injuries were inflicted by Zavala following a verbal altercation.
Officers subsequently responded to Zavala’s residence in Simi Valley, where he was initially uncooperative with law enforcement before eventually surrendering.
Zavala was originally charged with attempted murder and special allegations, including use of a deadly weapon and the infliction of great violence. He initially pled not guilty at his first court appearance and was served with a criminal protective order prohibiting contact with the victim.
Zavala remains in custody without bail. Sentencing is scheduled for January 8, 2026, in Courtroom 37 of the Ventura County Superior Court.
