VANCOUEVER, Washington — A local man implicated in a tragic incident that led to the death of an off-duty Vancouver police officer in 2022 was sentenced to 29 years in prison on Friday. Julio Segura, a 23-year-old from Yakima, faced charges for a series of crimes culminating in the inadvertent shooting of Officer Donald Sahota by a fellow law enforcement official.
The sentencing concluded in the Clark County Superior Court following emotional testimonies from the officer’s family and colleagues, who recounted his dedication to service and community. The jury had previously found Segura guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, robbery, eluding police, and possession of a stolen vehicle, while acquitting him of several other charges, including attempted murder and first-degree burglary.
The incident unfolded on January 29, 2022, when multiple law enforcement agencies pursued Segura to Sahota’s neighborhood after an armed robbery at a local gas station. During a confrontation in Sahota’s driveway, Segura stabbed the officer. Shortly after, Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Jonathan Feller arrived at the scene and mistakenly shot Sahota, who later succumbed to gunshot wounds to the torso, as confirmed by coroners.
Prosecutors argued that Segura’s criminal actions and the ensuing confrontation significantly contributed to the fatal shooting, placing him at substantial fault for the death. During the sentencing hearing, Sahota’s widow, Dawnese Sahota, expressed profound grief over her loss. She described her life as “shattered” by the events and held Segura fully responsible for her husband’s death due to the chaos he instigated.
Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori highlighted Sahota’s empathy and commitment as a police trainer, noting his approach to treating everyone with respect—a sentiment echoed by Sahota’s mother, Darlene Baun, who proudly spoke of her son’s resilience through hardships including abuse and homelessness during his childhood.
In a courtroom filled with emotion, Prosecutor Tony Golik recommended a severe punishment for Segura, labeling his actions as “dangerous” and “self-centered.” Conversely, Segura’s defense, detailing his troubled background including foster care and counseling through about 1,200 pages of records, pleaded for leniency in his sentencing.
Addressing the court, Segura issued an apology to the Sahota family, acknowledging the irreversible pain caused by his actions and expressing remorse from “the bottom of his heart.”
The case has highlighted broader issues concerning police procedure and the devastating impact of criminal sprees that inadvertently harm community members and law enforcement personnel alike. The sentencing reflects an acknowledgment of the multi-faceted consequences of such chaotic incidents, emphasizing lawful accountability and the enduring sorrow of those left to mourn.