Scott Shipley was found guilty of second-degree murder Friday for killing Acton Water Co. owner Christopher Demyen after a verbal argument over where the water truck was parked, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
The jury also found true an allegation that 57-year-old Shipley intentionally discharged his firearm when he shot 39-year-old Demyen to death on May 15, 2013.
That afternoon, Shipley was driving on a small dirt road towards his house on Eagle Butte Road when he saw the water truck parked in front of a neighbor’s house filling up a pool. Unable to drive through, Shipley called the company’s owner, Demyen, to complain.
Shipley told Demyen he would be leaving his truck to block the company truck and walked to his house where he retrieved a gun, according to testimony during trial.
A witness testified that when Demyen arrived at the scene to talk to Shipley, they got into an argument that turned into a physical fight. Taking the witness stand Wednesday, Shipley claimed he shot Demyen in self-defense. (Read more here.)
However, Deputy District Attorney Thomas Trainor was successful in proving that Shipley actually instigated the fist fight by pushing Demyen and then pulled out a gun and shot Demyen in the chest.
Shipley faces a 40-years-to-life state prison sentence at the next hearing, scheduled for June 6, 2014.
Previous related stories:
Accused killer testifies, claims self-defense
Business owner shot dead after dispute, suspect in custody
Memorial established for slain Acton business owner
QuartzHill Resident says
Because of the “use of a gun” allegation he is looking at 40 years to life. The judge doesn’t really have much of a choice. Second degree murder is 15-life. The killing by a gun adds another 25 years. That means he won’t even be eligible for parole until he’s served 40 years. After that he is only ELIGIBLE for parole, but it’s not guaranteed. You don’t get good behavior credits on a murder sentence. He will never get out of prison.
The Truth says
Lets hope it is life. I have heard people say this piece of filth was weird…enjoy prison scum, I hope they kick the crap out of you every day.
Danny says
Wow that’s all he got
justiceforall says
Facing at least 40 years, being 57 years old is pretty much a death sentence.
Let’s hope he doesn’t get out for “good behavior”, or that overcrowding BS.
Hope it’s a standup judge that will give him the max, not one of those bleeding hearts. That scum bag needs to spend the rest of his life “thinking and remembering what he did and why he’s in there…
If your sentenced to 40 years…you serve 40 years, no if’s and’s or but’s!!!
May there be justice for Christopher Demyen.