Jon Charles Depoorter, aged 59, tragically lost his life on June 27, 2020, in Shingletown, California. Depoorter was one of the victims in a double homicide that occurred on Gail Lane. The incident also claimed the life of 66-year-old Michael Barton Stanfill. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting. The Shasta County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as 35-year-old Daun Eric Sanders. Sanders was considered armed and dangerous, prompting an extensive manhunt by local authorities.
The investigation revealed that Sanders had fled the scene in a dark-colored pickup truck before law enforcement arrived. Despite the immediate response from deputies and officers with the Redding Police Department, Sanders managed to evade capture initially. The authorities warned the public not to approach Sanders if spotted and to contact the Shasta County Major Crimes Unit or call 911.
The case took a significant turn when Sanders was involved in two hit-and-run crashes on a southern California freeway on July 1, 2020. While attempting to flee on foot across Interstate 15 in Ontario, Sanders was struck by a vehicle and killed. This incident brought an end to the manhunt, but it also left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the motive behind the shootings.
Further investigation into Sanders' background revealed a history of legal troubles, including a warrant issued for his arrest on May 5, 2020, for failing to appear in court on domestic violence and vandalism charges. Additionally, authorities continued to search for Sanders' father, William 'Bill' Sanders, who had been missing since two days before the shooting. The disappearance of Bill Sanders added another layer of complexity to the case, as detectives sought any information that could shed light on his whereabouts and potential connection to the events.
The tragic deaths of Jon Charles Depoorter and Michael Barton Stanfill left the Shingletown community in mourning. The investigation into the double homicide and the subsequent death of the suspect highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing violent crimes and ensuring public safety. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of such incidents on small communities and the importance of thorough and diligent investigative work.
