Man sentenced for El Cajon veterinarian’s death

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/ KUSI) — The man accused of breaking into the Boulevard Animal Clinic on El Cajon Boulevard in June 2022, causing an 88-year-old veterinarian to die, has been sentenced.

Patrick O’Brien was given 4 years in total time, but will be released April 2 after serving less than 2 years. As part of his plea deal, he will be on supervised probation for 2 more years.

The victim’s family does not agree with the sentencing.

“My heart is broken into a million pieces,” said Dr. Karen Kelly, the victim’s daughter, as she read her victim impact statement to the judge Tuesday prior to the sentencing. “You destroyed our lives Patrick O’Brien.”

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Clark Kelly died of a heart attack after an alleged confrontation with O’Brien.

“You collapsed our veterinary business,” she continued.

The victim’s daughter said they have had to shut the doors to the vet clinic after 60 years in operation, “all while enduring horrible grief and trauma.”

Dr. Kelly died on June 15, 2022, the same day as his 60th wedding anniversary.

The question of O’Brien’s role in Dr. Kelly’s death remains. The evidence claims there was not a physical attack, but said that O’Brien’s actions led to Dr. Kelly’s death. His official cause of death is listed as a heart attack.

“If it wasn’t for Mr. O’briens actions, that death would not have occurred,” Deputy District Attorney Andrew Aguilar said.

“You literally scared Dr. Kelly to death and that’s what happened in this case,” Judge Rachel Cano said during the sentencing.

Dr. Kelly has been missed by so many. His patients, employees and friends filled the gate to his long-time office with flowers, pictures and signs the day of the deadly incident.

O’Brien’s attorney declined an interview after the hearing. O’Brien will be released on April 2.

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