A man from California is facing a life sentence after being convicted by a jury for holding a family captive in their apartment for over five hours and threatening them with violence. Kenneth McIsaac, 34, followed a family from a community pool into their apartment complex, as reported by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. McIsaac, who lived in the same apartment complex as the family, entered their unit, closed the door, and declared his intention to rob them. He revealed what appeared to be a firearm under his shirt, which was later discovered to be a replica.
The mother called for her husband, who then joined them in the living room, where McIsaac forced the family to sit on the floor at gunpoint. He proceeded to retrieve kitchen knives and handed the mother duct tape to bind her husband and children before binding herself, according to a statement from the district attorney’s office. Throughout the ordeal, McIsaac threatened to harm the parents in front of their children.
After over five hours, the husband managed to free himself and fought back when McIsaac returned to the living room. The husband was able to subdue the intruder, allowing the family to escape and seek help.
McIsaac was referred to the Mental Health Court for diversion in August 2023, despite objections from the District Attorney’s Office. He was accepted into a treatment facility but later fled. Following a jury trial, McIsaac was convicted of various charges, including kidnapping, robbery, child abuse, false imprisonment, and criminal threats. District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized that the verdict holds McIsaac accountable for the harm inflicted on the family. He is set to be sentenced on June 6.
