Granada Grad Brutally Assaulted in Chico

On the morning of February 9, 2013, the homeless guests at the Livermore Homeless Refuge woke to a promised gourmet meal delivered by Sandra Chesterman, the program's director. She had stayed up all night preparing it. The homeless were perplexed to find that Mrs. Chesterman, usually of good cheer and sporting a wry wit, was visibly upset. While preparing the meal Mrs. Chesterman received a phone call informing her that her nineteen year old son, Daniel, had been brutally attacked and suffered severe injuries the evening before in Chico. Mrs. Chesterman managed to deliver the hot food, and raced north to Chico to be with Daniel.

“I literally collapsed half of someone's face last night,” tweeted Rodney Freeman, 18, of Chico, CA later that same day. Police believe this message was a reference to the attack allegedly by Freeman on Daniel Chesterman.

Last week, Granada High School Graduate Daniel Chesterman had another of a series of operations on his face to repair extensive damage. That damage included the shattering of Daniel's left eye socket and cheekbone, and a broken nose. Daniel's injuries, doctors say, are too extensive to have been caused by bare fists. A bludgeoning weapon, such as brass knuckles, may have been used. The series of operations included the installation of several titanium plates designed to help Daniel's injuries heal. These operations will be ongoing. His first surgery was on February 15. He has had several since.

Daniel Chesterman was in Chico, CA on February 8, 2013 to visit his sister who is a student at Chico State University. Daniel had the intention of attending Chico State University to study to become a Fire Fighter. There is now a question as to whether his injuries have put an end to that dream. The damage to Daniel's nasal passages may disqualify him for a career in fire fighting.

Daniel was attacked on the street, allegedly by Rodney Freeman on the evening of February 8. Chico Police investigators immediately ruled Daniel's injuries to be the result of mutual combat. But David and Sandra Chesterman, Daniel's parents, strongly believed Daniel to be innocent. Mr. and Mrs. Chesterman reached out to KRCR TV and were able to obtain evidence enough for Chico Police to rethink the ruling. That evidence included a security video from a local convenience store.

Having reversed their decision, the Chico Police Dept re-opened the investigation and began collecting evidence on the attack which, they believe, points directly to an assault by Rodney Freeman on Daniel. Freeman was arrested and charged with two counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon. His arraignment was on February 22nd in Butte County Superior Court in Oroville, CA.

“Chico Police Chief Trostle has been very supportive,” said Mrs. Chesterman. “And the detective in charge has done everything he can to make this case solid.”

On May 15, the court denied a request by KRCR TV to broadcast the trial. A request to broadcast the next hearing is pending.

Rodney Freeman is due back in Judge Steven J. Howell's courtroom on Friday, June 28.