Post by Chris_Wendt on Sept 3, 2011 10:09:36 GMT -5
There is a manhunt underway in Mendocino County, California for Aaron Bassler, 35 who is wanted for the multiple gunshot murders of Wantagh native, Matt Coleman, 45, and Fort Bragg Councilman and former Mayor Jere Melo two weeks later.
Federal Marshals are assisting state and local authorities in the manhunt.
Matt Coleman was shot while on-duty and in uniform as a Land Steward. Jere Melo was shot while investigating a heroin poppy cultivation in the same area. An eyewitness survived the attack which killed Melo. There is evidence linking both killings to Bassler.
When he is apprehended, Bassler will be charged with both murders, with two special circumstances (laying-in-wait and multiple homicides) which will make him eligible for California's death penalty.
While nothing can ease the pain of such a senseless loss, this step is important for closure and for justice being hopefully served in the end.
Chris Wendt
Federal Marshals are assisting state and local authorities in the manhunt.
Matt Coleman was shot while on-duty and in uniform as a Land Steward. Jere Melo was shot while investigating a heroin poppy cultivation in the same area. An eyewitness survived the attack which killed Melo. There is evidence linking both killings to Bassler.
When he is apprehended, Bassler will be charged with both murders, with two special circumstances (laying-in-wait and multiple homicides) which will make him eligible for California's death penalty.
While nothing can ease the pain of such a senseless loss, this step is important for closure and for justice being hopefully served in the end.
Chris Wendt