Crime & Safety
Former Moorpark Planner Suspected in Simi Valley Murder had a Criminal Past
The man accused of killing an old girlfriend in Simi Valley last week apparently was accused of killing a different girlfriend back in 1982.
Former Moorpark city planner Paul Porter, who suffered a fatal heart attack after allegedly killing an old girlfriend in Simi Valley last week, was accused of trying to kill a different girlfriend in 1982, according to news reports uncovered by the Ventura County Star.
According to The Star, Porter was working as a planner for Ventura County when he attacked Patricia Jacobson, another county employee and his girlfriend at the time.
Porter eventually pleaded no contest to assault with a deadly weapon and received some jail time and probation.
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Simi Valley police believe Porter, 66, of Scottsdale, Ariz., beat and fatally stabbed retired teacher Janice Somple, 65, on May 31 in her Simi Valley home.
He suffered a heart attack and crashed his truck as he was fleeing the scene. He later died at a hospital, according to authorities.
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Police said Porter and Somple dated more than 15 years ago but seemed to have parted ways amicably.
Officials are not commenting about a possible motive in the Somple slaying.
Porter worked as a planner for the city of Moorpark, from 1989 to 2005.