Alexander Charles Hagist, a 35-year-old resident of San Luis Obispo, California, tragically passed away on July 16, 2020. Born on February 23, 1985, in Bakersfield, California, Alexander was known for his vibrant personality and dedication to his family and career. He worked as a promoter, distributor, account manager, and direct sales representative for various breweries in the California Central Coast area.
Alexander was a beloved father to his four children and was deeply involved in their lives. His sudden death left a significant void in the lives of his family and friends.
The circumstances surrounding Alexander Hagist's death were both shocking and tragic. On the evening of July 16, 2020, Alexander was shot and killed by his wife, Skylar Marie Marshall, at their home on Chorro Street in San Luis Obispo. According to court documents and police reports, Skylar Marshall pointed a loaded semi-automatic handgun at Alexander's forehead and pulled the trigger, resulting in his immediate death. Skylar claimed that she believed the gun was unloaded at the time, although she admitted she was not entirely certain. This incident occurred despite previous warnings from both Alexander and their roommate about the dangers of handling firearms carelessly.
Following the shooting, Skylar Marshall was arrested and charged with murder. However, during the preliminary hearing held on April 29, 2021, the judge dismissed the murder charge, allowing only the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter to proceed. Evidence presented at the hearing indicated that Skylar had experience handling firearms and had been explicitly warned about the importance of treating all guns as if they were loaded. Despite this, she failed to check the gun or magazine before pointing it at Alexander and pulling the trigger.
In December 2022, Skylar Marshall entered a plea of no contest to the charge of involuntary manslaughter, admitting to using a handgun in the crime. A no contest plea is treated the same as a guilty plea, and the court found her guilty of involuntary manslaughter with a firearm. On May 19, 2023, Superior Court Judge Jacquelyn H. Duffy sentenced Skylar to seven years, with the sentence split into two parts: two years in county jail custody followed by five years of community supervision. This sentence was in line with the maximum allowed for the conviction, which was 14 years.
The case of Alexander Hagist's death highlights the devastating consequences of irresponsible gun use. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney emphasized the importance of exercising the highest degree of care when handling firearms, noting that this tragic incident was entirely avoidable. The community mourned the loss of Alexander, a man remembered for his positive spirit and dedication to his family, while also grappling with the legal and emotional aftermath of his untimely death.
