Murder suspect David Paradiso was shot and killed after he attacked Superior Court Judge Cinda Fox, who was presiding over his trial on March 4, 2009. Paradiso was on trial for stabbing his girlfriend Eileen Pelt to death in December 2006.

Paradiso was shot by Det. Eric Bradley, of Lodi, California, who was the lead investigator in the case. Paradiso attacked Judge Fox from behind as he was leaving the witness stand. Judge Fox had called a recess after Paradiso made disturbing comments which upset people in the courtroom.KCRA: Paradiso 'Had Something On His Mind' (March 5, 2009) Paradiso had "an unknown cutting instrument" according to a sheriff.Los Angeles Times: Man on Trial in Stockton Stabs Judge and Is Killed by Police (March 5, 2009)

In December of 2006, Paradiso and his girlfriend Eileen Pelt were riding in the back of his mother's car. Paradiso spontaneously stabbed and killed Pelt, his mother said there was no argument before the killing. Paradiso then forced his mother to drive him to a place in another county where he disposed of Pelt's body. Paradiso testified that he had taken methamphetamine before killing Pelt, which made him paranoid.Los Angeles Times: Man on Trial in Stockton Stabs Judge and Is Killed by Police (March 5, 2009)

On March 4, 2009, Judge Cinda Fox called a recess after Paradiso testified on the witness stand. When Paradiso was asked why he killed Pelt by a prosecutors, Paradiso said "'Cause she deserved to die." Paradiso's mother began shouting and "pandemonium" broke out in the courtroom prompting Judge Fox to call a recess. It was then that Paradiso approached Judge Fox from behind and tried to stab her in the neck with a weapon. Paradiso's family claims they warned officials that he may try to bring a weapon into the courtroom. Paradiso was shot by a detective.KCRA: Paradiso 'Had Something On His Mind' (March 5, 2009)