Michael Wiggins, aged 39, tragically lost his life on July 22, 2018, in California City, CA. The incident occurred during a violent shooting that also claimed the life of his 12-year-old daughter, Trinity Wiggins. According to police reports, the shooting took place around 7:30 p.m. in the 9000 block of Lupine Loop at Corwin Avenue. Officers responding to the scene found Michael Wiggins lying in a pool of blood in a hallway, while Trinity was found inside the residence. Michael was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Trinity succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
The investigation quickly identified Desmond Perry, a 32-year-old man, as the primary suspect. Perry was accused of using a Smith & Wesson M&P15 rifle to open fire on the residence. The motive behind the shooting was linked to a domestic dispute involving Perry's cousin, who had reported threats from her boyfriend. Perry allegedly arrived at the residence to confront the boyfriend, leading to the fatal confrontation. Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a black Nissan Altima, which helped police in their search for Perry.
Desmond Perry was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of murder. His trial began in June 2019, where he faced the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted. Court documents revealed that Perry's cousin had informed him via Facebook Messenger about the threats she received, prompting his armed response. During the trial, it was disclosed that Michael Wiggins had confronted Perry at the door, resulting in Perry firing multiple rounds into the home. One of these rounds struck Michael in the chest, while another hit Trinity in the back.
The case drew significant attention due to the tragic loss of life and the circumstances surrounding the domestic dispute. Perry's defense argued that his actions were driven by a desire to protect his cousin and her children, but the prosecution maintained that his response was excessively violent and resulted in unnecessary deaths. The trial concluded with Perry being found guilty of the charges, and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The community of California City mourned the loss of Michael and Trinity Wiggins, remembering them as beloved members of their community.
