Santa Rosa, CA –A decision by a Sonoma County judge to grant probation to a man who carried out a violent, unprovoked attack on his neighbor has sparked outrage across the community. The incident, which took place on October 28, 2023, left the victim permanently disfigured and has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of mental health defenses in criminal cases.
Trevor Colombano, 38, was sentenced to four years of probation on March 3, 2025, after pleading no contest to charges of mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, and sexual battery. The attack, which occurred in broad daylight on a quiet Saturday afternoon, involved Colombano choking his neighbor while she was walking her dog, followed by a series of violent actions that left her with significant injuries, including a severely lacerated scalp and a deep cut to her lip that required 17 stitches and five staples. The victim, now 41 years old and living in the Midwest, remains permanently disfigured and struggles with the emotional scars of the ordeal, particularly the fear of her young daughter witnessing the attack.
Despite the severity of the assault, Judge Dana Simonds ruled that Colombano would not face a prison sentence. Instead, he was placed on probation, ordered to register as a sex offender, and required to undergo mental health treatment. The decision has been met with widespread shock and condemnation, with many questioning the judge’s reasoning and expressing disbelief that such a violent act could result in a probation sentence rather than incarceration.
The case has reignited public debate over the role of mental health in criminal sentencing. Colombano’s defense attorney, Roy Miller, argued that his client was suffering from psychosis at the time of the attack and had shown remorse for his actions. Miller emphasized that Colombano, who had no prior criminal history and was a graduate of San Jose State University with a banking career, had exhibited signs of rehabilitation while incarcerated. He also cited the lack of a previous mental health diagnosis, suggesting that Colombano’s stress and cannabis use were contributing factors in the violent episode.
However, prosecutors strongly disagreed with the defense’s portrayal of Colombano’s mental health. They noted that he had no history of mental illness and had not been on medication at the time of the attack. Deputy District Attorney Kyle McCauley dismissed the psychosis argument as “unverified self-serving statements,” arguing that the crime was far too violent and random to justify a lenient sentence. He further emphasized that releasing Colombano on probation posed a significant risk to public safety.
“The community and the victim will have to live with the consequences of this sentence,” said Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez. “Justice was not served.”
The victim herself expressed profound disappointment in the ruling, describing it as a “grave mistake” that failed to account for the lasting damage done to her and her family. In an interview with The Press Democrat, she stated, “The fact that this judge could release him on probation for what he did, I’m still so mind blown over it. There are no words.”
Colombano’s violent outburst was witnessed by several neighbors, including the victim’s young daughter and cousin. After attacking the woman, he reportedly shouted incoherently, claiming to be “Jesus” and demanding help. When the victim’s dog attempted to intervene, Colombano punched the animal, further escalating the brutality of the situation. Neighbors eventually subdued Colombano until police arrived, at which point he continued to resist arrest and injured himself by slamming his head against the police car.
While many in the community are calling for accountability and demanding justice for the victim, the case raises broader questions about how the justice system handles mental health issues in violent crime. Colombano’s defense relied heavily on the argument that his psychosis at the time of the attack could be mitigated through treatment, but many have expressed concerns that this defense undermines the severity of the crime.
“This was a very difficult case for any judge,” said Miller, Colombano’s defense attorney. “In the end, Judge Simonds looked at the time Trevor spent in custody, his clear evidence of rehabilitation, and the mental health issues he was dealing with, which swayed her to give him one chance at probation.”
Yet, the public’s reaction has been swift and unforgiving. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments calling for Judge Simonds’ resignation or recall, accusing her of failing to protect the community. A petition to recall the judge has already garnered over 100 signatures in just a few days.
As of now, the victim remains haunted by the aftermath of the attack, not only by the physical scars but by the emotional toll it has taken on her sense of security. “I’m a very, very strong, independent woman. I pride myself on that. And I’m a damn good mom,” she said. “But what happened to me, I can’t protect my child from that kind of violence.”
The case continues to divide the community and raise important questions about the intersection of mental health, criminal justice, and public safety. As the victim struggles to rebuild her life, many are left wondering if the justice system can truly serve its intended purpose of protecting the public and ensuring accountability for violent crimes.