David Junior Holguin, aged 40, was tragically found dead on November 13, 2019, in Anza, California. The incident occurred on the 39000 block of Cary Road, where deputies from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered David Holguin deceased on the property. The investigation quickly led to the arrest of his son, Anthony David Holguin, who was 22 years old at the time.
Anthony was taken into custody on suspicion of murder due to his involvement in his father's death.
The circumstances surrounding the death of David Holguin were deeply troubling. According to court documents, Anthony Holguin was living in a trailer on his father's property, sharing the space with his girlfriend. On the day of the incident, a dispute erupted between Anthony and his girlfriend over her lack of attention to her pets. The argument escalated, and Anthony, who was under the influence of methamphetamine, slapped his girlfriend. This altercation prompted other residents on the property to seek help from David Holguin.
David Holguin approached the trailer to intervene in the dispute. When he knocked on the door, Anthony answered, holding a camouflaged shotgun. Despite his father's plea, "Are you going to shoot me?" Anthony fired the shotgun, hitting David in the chest. As David fell to the ground, Anthony fired again, causing fatal injuries. David Holguin died within seconds from the massive chest wound and additional injuries to his hands.
Following the shooting, Anthony attempted to hide the shotgun in nearby bushes but was soon apprehended by law enforcement officers. During the investigation, Anthony provided conflicting accounts of the events, initially claiming self-defense and later suggesting he feared his father was armed. However, witnesses and evidence did not support these claims, and it was determined that David Holguin was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
The legal proceedings culminated in a trial where Anthony David Holguin was convicted of first-degree murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and additional charges related to the use of a firearm and causing great bodily injury. In February 2024, Anthony was sentenced to 40 years to life in state prison for the murder of his father. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of substance abuse and domestic violence, leaving a lasting impact on the Anza community.
