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Derek James Matthews

Death by Force
Case Description
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On December 14, 2024, 21-year-old Derek James Matthews of Sonora, California, tragically lost his life in an accidental shooting during a gathering in Columbia, California. The incident occurred in the evening near Columbia Street, close to Cemetery Lane off Italian Bar Road. Witnesses reported that Matthews was handling a firearm when it discharged, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound.

Following the incident, Matthews was transported to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, where he was p ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (7)
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  • The Union Democrat : Man, 21, dies after accidentally shooting himself at Columbia gathering
  • Sonora Man Who Accidentally Shot And Killed Himself Identified
    •     ...View 5 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Derek James Matthews

    Male

    Columbia

    CA

    2024-12-14

    21

    Derek

    James Matthews

    11/24/2025

    Forum Posts (4)

    It’s being investigated as a murder if you read reports witnesses changed story’s multiple ti... ...Read More
    11/07/2025

    I'm still trying to wrap my head around what happened to Derek James Matthews. It's such an unfathom... ...Read More
    12/25/2024
    I’ve been following the news about Derek Matthews, and I can't help but think about the importance... ...Read More
    12/24/2024
    I can't stop thinking about how deeply this must have affected Derek's friends who were there with h... ...Read More
    12/22/2024
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