On July 11, 2024, at approximately 8:06 PM, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from 47-year-old Point Arena resident, Pan Jasper Brady. Brady reported that he had been involved in an argument with 54-year-old Kevin Taeuffer of Annapolis, California, during which he retrieved a handgun and shot Taeuffer. Brady informed authorities that he had secured the firearm and awaited their arrival.
Upon arrival at the scene on Eureka Hill Road, law enforcement officers found Taeuffer deceased from at least one gunshot wound. Brady was detained and subsequently arrested on charges of homicide and using a firearm during the commission of a homicide. He was booked into the Mendocino County Jail with bail set at $1,000,000.
Despite the initial arrest, Brady was released from county jail on a $500,000 bail bond the following day. As of July 17, 2024, the Mendocino County District Attorney's Office had not yet filed formal charges against him.
Friends of Taeuffer described him as an "awesome person" who was very hardworking and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed working with trees and had recently returned from helping a friend with palm tree trimming in Phoenix. He was known for his sense of humor, often making jokes and laughing, and was affectionately called 'Papa Kevin' by his friends' children.
The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the case and has urged anyone with information to contact their detectives at 707-463-4086 or provide anonymous tips via the non-emergency tip line at 707-234-2100.
