Overview
- Deputies fatally shot 44-year-old Derek Spencer after a prolonged exchange of gunfire in steep, heavily forested terrain early Monday, ending a multiagency manhunt.
- Tactical teams found 76-year-old Cheryl Macy shot to death inside her home during the search and investigators say they believe Spencer killed her before fleeing into the woods.
- Records show Spencer was arrested multiple times in September and released on bond or pre-arraignment release before the weekend crime spree that included vehicle theft and firing at people.
- Authorities used CHP infrared aircraft, drones and eight SWAT teams to track Spencer while he reportedly started multiple fires that kept firefighters back and complicated the approach; deputies recovered a handgun and a rifle at the scene.
- The sheriff’s office says the investigation will continue into Macy’s killing, the cause of the fires, the timeline of the standoff and the use of force, and local officials face scrutiny over pre-arrest release decisions.