In the quiet town of Ramona, California, a tragic story unfolded on the evening of July 6, 2026, culminating in the death of 32-year-old Nicholas McClure, a male resident of San Diego County. Deputies from the Ramona Sheriff's Substation were dispatched to a home in the 600 block of 11th Street at approximately 8:44 p.m. following a report of an assault with a firearm. Upon entering the residence, they discovered McClure and a 28-year-old woman, Courtney Chandler, with severe traumatic injuries. Despite the arrival of emergency medical personnel, both McClure and Chandler were pronounced dead at the scene.
At the scene of the double homicide, deputies found a man sitting on the steps of the home. This individual was identified as Ryan Wesley Proffitt, a 33-year-old from Escondido. Proffitt was detained without incident and subsequently arrested on two counts of murder. He was then booked into the San Diego Central Jail. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The motive behind the killings appears to be a "lover's quarrel" born out of jealousy.
Further investigation revealed that Proffitt himself had placed the 911 call, reportedly telling the dispatcher that he had been involved in a "lover's quarrel" and that two people were deceased. Prosecutors have stated that Proffitt and Chandler were in an open relationship, and that tensions arose after Chandler began a relationship with McClure, who had recently moved into their home. Proffitt allegedly became jealous, leading to a fatal confrontation. He claimed that McClure charged at him, prompting him to shoot McClure three times before then shooting Chandler. Proffitt has since pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder with a special circumstance allegation of committing multiple murders. This case is now proceeding through the legal system, with Proffitt facing the possibility of life in prison without parole or even the death penalty.
