Sacramento, CA — A California jury has rendered a guilty verdict in the high-profile case of a man accused of murdering a Sacramento County sheriff’s deputy during a routine disturbance call at an auto parts store in 2018, officials confirmed Thursday. The case, which captured the community’s attention, has now reached a pivotal conclusion after years of legal proceedings.
The defendant, identified as 41-year-old Anton Lemon Paris, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Deputy Mark Stasyuk in Rancho Cordova, a suburb of Sacramento. The verdict also included findings of attempted murder of another deputy, Julie Robertson, who was injured in the incident, and two other bystanders who were present during the tragic event.
According to prosecutors, the confrontation occurred when deputies responded to a reported dispute between Paris and an employee at the Pep Boys store. Upon their arrival, the situation escalated, leading Paris to open fire, fatally wounding Stasyuk and injuring Robertson. The jury’s decision followed a compelling case presented by the prosecution, which included surveillance video from the store and testimonies from multiple witnesses.
Paris, who had a criminal record dating back to 1994, including charges of battery, assault, and domestic violence, was ultimately cornered by law enforcement officers after a brief pursuit following the shooting. He too was injured in the exchange of gunfire.
In the aftermath of the verdict, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones issued a statement expressing relief and commending the legal team for their diligent work in securing justice for Deputy Stasyuk and the other victims. “Today, we remember Deputy Mark Stasyuk, whose life was taken far too soon, but through this verdict, justice has been served,” Jones stated.
The defense argued that Paris was suffering from mental illness at the very moment, questioning his intent and capability to premeditate the murder. Despite these arguments, the jury concluded that Paris intentionally and with premeditation sought to harm the officers and bystanders.
Legal experts commenting on the case noted the broader implications of this trial in discussions about police safety and community relations, particularly highlighting the dangers law enforcement officers can face even in seemingly routine calls.
Stasyuk, who was 27 at the time of his death, had been with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for about four and a half years. His death prompted an outpouring of support for his family and the law enforcement community, underscoring the risks undertaken by police officers.
The trial spanned several weeks, with emotional testimonies from the injured deputy, Robertson, who recounted the harrowing experience and the loss of her colleague. Community members and law enforcement officials were present throughout the proceedings, looking for closure in a case that had shaken the local community to its core.
With the guilty verdict, Paris now faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The sentencing phase of the trial is scheduled to commence next month, where further impact statements from the victims’ families and friends are expected to be presented.
As the legal process moves into its final phase, the Sacramento community and law enforcement officers hope that this verdict can begin the healing process while serving as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve and protect.