Father convicted for killing five children decades after their deaths

Paul Perez was convicted in Woodland, California, this week for the deaths of five infants; remains found in 2007 were linked to one child by DNA testing in 2019, leading to his arrest in 2020.

Paul Perez, 63, was convicted in Woodland, California, on multiple counts after authorities linked him to the deaths of five infant children born between 1992 and 2001. The case returned to public attention when remains discovered in 2007 were identified through newer DNA testing in 2019. Perez was arrested in 2020 while already in custody on unrelated charges. Officials described the conviction as the conclusion of a decades-long investigation. Key details: - Perez was convicted this week on multiple counts of murder and deadly assault on a child under eight in connection with five infant deaths. - Remains found in 2007 were identified by the California Bureau of Forensic Services in 2019 through advanced DNA testing and linked to Perez. - He was arrested in 2020 and had a prior criminal record; charges included a special circumstance allegation of torture. - Sentencing is scheduled for April 6, and he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Summary: The conviction provides legal resolution to a series of deaths dating from the 1990s and 2000s and follows forensic work that identified remains years after they were found. The next formal step is the sentencing hearing set for April 6.