Teenagers have testified that Shannon O'Connor hosted frequent, secret parties at her Los Gatos home during the 2020–21 school year where heavy drinking and sexual activity allegedly occurred. Prosecutors say O'Connor faces 63 criminal counts and used her son's social standing and Snapchat to contact freshmen. Witnesses described a misogynistic environment, incidents of physical and sexual abuse, and lasting harm to at least one girl. O'Connor has pleaded not guilty and the case remains under trial.
California ‘Party Mom’ Shannon O'Connor Faces 63 Charges After Teens Testify About Alcohol‑Fueled, Sex‑Linked Gatherings
California ‘party mom’ accused of grooming victims for sex, drinking in ritzy mansion, teens testify at trial
A jury in Santa Clara County is hearing testimony from teenagers who say they were victimized at secret, alcohol‑filled gatherings held at the upscale Los Gatos home of Shannon O'Connor. Prosecutors allege O'Connor organized frequent parties during the 2020–21 school year where many attendees were 14‑year‑old freshmen and sexual activity and heavy drinking occurred.
Prosecutors' Case
Deputy District Attorney Joanna Lee told jurors O'Connor—referred to in media accounts as the "Los Gatos Party Mom"—faces 63 criminal counts tied to the gatherings. Lee described the events as "chaotic, alcohol‑soaked benders" and said that for many freshmen at Los Gatos High School their first encounters with alcohol ended in overconsumption, vomiting and blackouts. Prosecutors allege the house became a place where children engaged in sexual conduct and that O'Connor groomed students, normalized sexual behavior and encouraged hookups.
Witness Testimony
One teenage witness, identified in court documents as Jane Doe 6, described the social climate at the gatherings as "misogynistic" and corroborated prior statements that O'Connor urged teens to sneak out, drink heavily and pair off. Jane Doe 6 testified that her friend, Jane Doe 4, then 14, suffered both physical and sexual abuse at the parties and later experienced depression and alcohol dependence.
California "party mom" Shannon O'Connor pleaded not guilty to 63 counts alleging she threw booze-fueled teen sex parties at her Los Gatos home.(Fox News)
"[John Doe 7] would touch her in front of everybody," Jane Doe 6 told the court, calling the behavior "bad" and "weird."
According to court filings, Jane Doe 6 also testified that when John Doe 7 drank he sometimes became violent toward girls and that other attendees did not intervene. Prosecutors allege one incident in O'Connor's kitchen in which Jane Doe 4 was reportedly punched and kicked while O'Connor drank champagne and laughed.
Family Accounts
Jane Doe 4's mother testified that her daughter first visited O'Connor's home to work on a science project in fall 2020. At first the meetings "seemed normal," the mother said, describing O'Connor's residence as a "very fancy, beautiful home" and O'Connor's son as a "nice kid." After repeated visits, the mother noticed changes in her daughter's behavior—including fatigue, withdrawal and bruising—and later smelled alcohol on her breath.
Another parent who previously testified said she had "100 percent" trusted O'Connor and expressed guilt for not recognizing warning signs sooner.
Shannon O’Connor listens in a courtroom, Oct. 20, 2021, in San Jose, Calif. She's been indicted on 63 counts, including plying minors with alcohol and aiding and abetting sexual assault.
Allegations About Communication And Supervision
Prosecutors say O'Connor exploited her son's status on the school football team and a "cool mom" image to message freshmen daily on Snapchat without parental knowledge. They allege she was the only adult supervising parties that occurred as often as five times a week.
Legal Status
O'Connor has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Her attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment from news outlets. The trial is ongoing, and the allegations in court remain unproven.
What Happens Next
As the trial continues, jurors will hear additional testimony and evidence from both the prosecution and the defense before deliberating. Any updates will reflect developments in court filings and witness testimony.
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