Two Acquitted in Dodger Stadium Attack After Elton John Concert

LOS ANGELES, May 22, 2025 — A jury found Chad Reeves, 44, and Reese Hopkin, 40, not guilty of battery and vandalism charges related to a fight at Dodger Stadium’s parking lot after an Elton John concert in November 2022. The verdict followed a four-week trial and was announced on Thursday.

The two men faced serious charges of battery causing serious injury to Jaime and Lillian Grenfell, a couple in their 60s, who were allegedly assaulted following a minor car accident. Reeves was also accused of vandalizing a bystander’s cell phone during the incident.

Prosecutors claimed that after a side mirror from the Grenfells’ Chevy Tahoe hit Reeves, the situation escalated into violence. Jaime Grenfell was reportedly knocked unconscious by Hopkin.

Defense attorneys argued that the viral video of the incident, which captured only the final moments of the altercation, was misleading. Glen Jonas, Reeves’ attorney, asserted that the video was edited and did not display the alleged attack by Jaime Grenfell against Reeves and a woman, Jessica Santi. The defense claimed that Reeves acted in self-defense.

According to the defense’s narrative, Reeves defended Santi when Grenfell confronted her. They stated that Jaime Grenfell exited his vehicle in an aggressive manner, prompting Reeves and Hopkin to intervene.

Raffi Manuelian, Hopkin’s attorney, argued that his client intervened only after he saw his wife, Lindsay, being assaulted. Following the altercation, they claimed Grenfell attempted to reengage the fight before being struck.

Jonas criticized the previous administration under former District Attorney George Gascón, stating, “These two innocent men were falsely prosecuted by a District Attorney’s Office that refused to look at the case objectively.” He emphasized the need for a review of past cases to prevent wrongful accusations.

The Grenfells have since filed a civil lawsuit against Reeves, Hopkin, and the Dodgers, claiming inadequate security at the event contributed to their injuries. The Dodgers have denied these allegations in the lawsuit, citing their commitment to crowd safety.

Manuelian expressed relief and gratitude following the jury’s decision, describing it as a vindication for his client. “It’s all about context,” he remarked, urging the public not to rely solely on social media representations.