On April 6, 2025, a tragic hunting accident led to the death of 65-year-old Shawn Parrish in Knights Landing, California. Parrish, a resident of Sacramento, was hunting in the Fremont Wier Wildlife Area when he was struck by a shotgun blast to the back of his head. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but Parrish was pronounced dead. The incident occurred around 9:00 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement.
Authorities identified the shooter as 80-year-old John Lee, also from Sacramento. Lee had been hunting turkey in the area and fired his shotgun into a bush, unaware that Parrish was in the line of fire. Following the incident, Lee was taken into custody without resistance. He was booked into the Sutter County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and negligent discharge of a firearm. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other agencies, conducted the investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting highlight the dangers of hunting accidents, particularly when visibility is compromised. Officials have urged hunters to exercise extreme caution and ensure they have a clear line of sight before firing their weapons. The case remains under legal review as authorities determine the appropriate course of action regarding Lee’s charges.
