VENTURA : D.A. Delays Death Penalty Decision

The Ventura County district attorney’s office postponed a decision Monday on whether to seek the death penalty for a mentally ill drifter accused of killing a Ventura woman.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Peter D. Kossoris told Superior Court Judge James M. McNally that prosecutors are examining new information that could help determine whether they will seek the gas chamber for Kevin J. Kolodziej, 25. He is accused of fatally stabbing 90-year-old Velasta Johnson in her home Jan. 17.

Kossoris declined to elaborate on the new information but said it would take a few days to investigate.

Lloyd Thetford of Ventura, the victim’s son-in-law, said a district attorney’s representative called the family late last week to say that prosecutors probably would not seek death for Kolodziej. On Sunday the representative called again to say the prosecution had new information and probably would seek the death penalty, Thetford said.

Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury held meetings last week with the victim’s daughter, Jackie Thetford, who urged him to seek the death penalty.

Bradbury, who was unavailable for comment Monday, also met last week with advocates for the mentally ill, who opposed such an action.

Kolodziej was being treated for self-inflicted stab wounds when he walked out of Ventura County Medical Center and allegedly stabbed Johnson, who lived in a nearby house.

Kolodziej’s arraignment in Superior Court on murder and burglary charges was postponed Monday until two court-appointed psychologists could determine if he is competent to stand trial.