Brandon Michael DeGuzman, a 21-year-old resident of El Cajon, California, tragically lost his life on September 24, 2016. His death was the result of a violent altercation over a minor drug debt. DeGuzman was shot in the head by Richard Gunner, a 25-year-old man who had been sent to collect a $30 debt that DeGuzman owed for drugs purchased from Tristan "Cowboy" Klingensmith. The incident occurred at DeGuzman's family home in the Bostonia community, just outside of El Cajon. DeGuzman had offered his uncle's AR-15 rifle as payment for the debt, but Gunner decided to eliminate DeGuzman and keep the rifle for himself. DeGuzman's body was found in the front yard of his home.
The case saw significant legal proceedings. Richard Gunner was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for first-degree murder, with additional time for using a firearm in the killing and for having two prior serious felony convictions. Gunner had a history of violent behavior, including a previous conviction for carjacking and another for choking a jail inmate nearly to death. He had been released from prison just three months before killing DeGuzman. During the trial, Gunner admitted to his actions and expressed remorse, apologizing to DeGuzman's family.
Tristan Klingensmith, who had sent Gunner to collect the debt, was also prosecuted. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, possession of methamphetamine for sale, and two weapons charges. Klingensmith was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The court proceedings revealed that Klingensmith had recruited Gunner to threaten DeGuzman and had offered him a commission to collect on his drug debts. The emotional impact of DeGuzman's death was profound, with his family expressing their grief and loss during the court hearings. DeGuzman's mother, Michelle Gary, spoke of her deep bond with her son and the irreplaceable void his death had left in her life.
