Paso Robles murder suspect shot victim 10 times
February 12, 2014
A Paso Robles man charged with murdering his mother’s boyfriend shot the victim at least 10 times, according to court records filed by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. [Tribune]
John Steven Danner, 23, shot and killed Billy Don Law, 47, on Feb. 7. Law lived with Danner and Christine Ruda, Danner’s mother and Law’s girlfriend in the 700 block of Kalu Mine Road.
The shooting resulted from a late night fight between Danner and Law over the use of candles in the house that lacked electricity. Danner initially said he shot Law in order to protect his mother. But, he later told investigators that he shot Law out of fear and should not have done so.
During the verbal altercation between Law and Danner’s mother, Danner grabbed two handguns and threatened to shoot Law. Law then said “Oh yeah?” and approached Danner.
Danner shot Law several times, causing him to fall motionless on his back. As Law was lying on the floor, Danner shot him two or three more times, according to Danner’s friend Robert Little, who witnessed the incident. Law suffered bullet wounds to the head and body.
Ruda also suffered a bullet wound to the bicep, and Danner and Little drove her to a local hospital. A doctor there informed law enforcement that he was treating a patient with a bullet wound.
Danner will appear in court Thursday for his arraignment.
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