On June 19, 2024, at approximately 10:06 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff's deputies responded to a wellness check request at a residence in the 2400 block of Avenida De Las Plantas in Thousand Oaks, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 80-year-old Gerald Sherman, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial investigation revealed that Sherman and his roommate, 80-year-old Edward Fegley, had been involved in a physical altercation prior
to the shooting. A .22 caliber rifle, believed to be the weapon used, was recovered from the residence. Fegley, who remained at the scene, was arrested on suspicion of murder and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility with bail set at $790,000.
Further details emerged indicating that Sherman and Fegley were lifelong friends who had chosen to live together in their later years. Despite their long-standing relationship, the exact circumstances leading up to the fatal altercation remained unclear. Investigators conducted interviews with friends, family, and associates, and analyzed both digital and physical evidence to piece together the events that transpired before the shooting.
On June 24, 2024, the Ventura County District Attorney's Office announced that it would not file charges against Fegley at that time, citing the need for further evidence to proceed with formal charges. Consequently, Fegley was released from custody after spending several days in jail. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office emphasized that the investigation was ongoing and that the decision not to file charges immediately did not equate to Fegley being cleared of suspicion or criminal wrongdoing.
As of December 26, 2024, no new information has been publicly released regarding the case. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office continues to seek information from the public to aid in their investigation. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact Detective Michael Marco at 805-384-4739.
