Man gets 40 to life in driveway argument slaying
by The AV Times Staff • August 1, 2014
Scott Shipley (right) was found guilty on April 25 of second-degree murder; the jury also found true an allegation that Shipley intentionally discharged his firearm when he shot Christopher Demyen (left) to death last year.
LANCASTER – A 57-year-old man was sentenced in an Antelope Valley courtroom Friday for shooting to death the owner of the Acton Water Company after a verbal argument over where the water truck was parked.
Scott Russell Shipley was sentenced to 40 years to life in state prison for killing 39-year-old Christopher Demyen, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.
Shipley was found guilty on April 25 of second-degree murder; the jury also found true an allegation that Shipley intentionally discharged his firearm when he shot Demyen to death last year.
On May 15, 2013, Shipley was driving on a small dirt road toward his house on Eagle Butte Road when he saw an Acton Water Company truck parked in front of a neighbor's house filling up a pool.
The shooting happened a little before 2 p.m., May 15, 2013 in the 1500 block of Eagle Butte Road in Acton. (Photo by LUIS MEZA)
Unable to drive through, the Shipley called the owner of the company, Christopher Demyen, to complain. Shipley told Demyen he would be leaving his truck to block the company truck, and then Shipley walked to his house where he retrieved a gun, according to testimony during trial.
A witness testified that when Demyen arrived at the scene to talk to Shipley, the two men got into an argument.
Shipley told Demyen, "hit me and see what you get," according to court testimony.
Shipley then pushed Demyen, a fight ensued and Shipley pulled out the gun and shot Demyen in the chest, the prosecutor said.
The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department, Palmdale Station.
Previous related stories:
Man found guilty in killing over driveway argument
Accused killer testifies, claims self-defense
Memorial established for slain Acton business owner
Business owner shot dead after dispute, suspect in custody
Filed Under: Acton, Crime/ Safety
6 comments for "Man gets 40 to life in driveway argument slaying"
Jip Joe says
Real simple, it takes two to tangle. Shut your mouth and put your arrogance in check because while you might be right, you can also get dead. Was it worth it? Don't like it, tough, welcome to reality.
speckles says
It takes two Tango, Is what I believe you meant. Seriously? You think because Chris came to the scene to try to make a situation right and they ended up fighting, that it was OK to shoot him? I bet you are also one who says the girl deserved to be raped because of the way she was dressed. Idiot.
The Truth says
40+ years = Reality …well deserved. I was told Shipley is (was) a nut job, and you know the saying.."the fruit doesn't fall to far from the tree".
I hope this man is killed in jail, he deserves more than just a few years behind bars.
Stacey Nickels says
Thank You AV Court Judge's, Sheriffs Officers, Investigators, 911 Operator's, First Responders, Fire Department Paramedic's, and the AV Prosecutors and DA's Office.
Job's Well Done! You Did It Right!
May this MURDER serve everyday regretting he took a Man's life away that was truly Loved and Respected from Family and Friends that he did not have to. Now he only has to answer to his maker.
Juror says
You forgot to thank the people that made the real decision, your peers, the jurors!
This is why we need people to stop trying to get out of jury duty. I was on a jury and we put away a perpetrator that harmed children. One juror had the knowledge needed to sway the case. Otherwise we might have let him free.