Charges Filed in Attempted Murder of City of Fresno Employee

Published on April 15, 2025

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against Dyllan James Padavona, also known as Dyllan James Hopkins, (30, of Fresno), for the attempted murder of a City of Fresno employee.

It is alleged that in the early hours of April 11, 2025, Padavona approached the victim, Timothy Smith, and struck him in the back of the head with a blunt object. At the time of the assault, Mr. Smith was performing his duties as a City of Fresno Public Works employee. The attack caused significant injuries, and Mr. Smith was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. He is currently listed in critical condition.

A felony complaint filed in Fresno County Superior Court charges Padavona with the following:

• One (1) Count of ATTEMPTED WILLFUL, DELIBERATE, AND PREMEDITATED MURDER [Penal Code § 664/187(a)];
• One (1) Count of ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON [Penal Code § 245(a)(1)];
• Enhancement for CAUSING GREAT BODILY INJURY [Penal Code § 12022.7];
• Enhancement for COMMITTING A CRIME WHILE RELEASED ON HIS OWN RECOGNIZANCE [Penal Code § 12022.1]

If convicted on all charges and enhancements, Padavona faces a sentence of 12 years to life in state prison.

At the time of the assault, Padavona had multiple Failures to Appear (FTA) on Felony Case No. F24902260, in addition to multiple misdemeanor cases in warrant status.

Padavona was arrested later that same day, April 11, by officers with the Fresno Police Department and booked into the Fresno County Jail. His current bail is set at $554,000. Arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 8:30 AM in Department 31 of the Fresno County Superior Court.

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