California Man Sentenced to 30 Years to Life After Chasing Stepmother Outside Their Home and Stabbing Her 7 Times as She Screamed for Help
SHANDON, CALIFORNIA — A 34-year-old California man who chased his stepmother around their house before tackling her and stabbing her seven times has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, authorities announced Tuesday.
The suspect, Justin Tray Buchanan, pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder, and assault, admitting to killing his stepmother Kelly Jean Buchanan and injuring both his father and a neighbor who tried to intervene.
Security Video Shows Stepmother Running for Her Life
The deadly attack unfolded on July 16, 2023, at a home in Shandon, a small community northwest of Bakersfield. According to the San Luis Obispo Tribune, security cameras captured the horrifying moments leading up to the murder.
The footage allegedly shows Justin Buchanan chasing his stepmother around the outside of the house. When he caught her, he tackled her to the ground and stabbed her repeatedly as she screamed for help.
A neighbor witnessed the attack and rushed in to help, but Buchanan allegedly turned on the neighbor as well. The neighbor managed to fight him off using items from around the property.
Father Says His Son’s Eyes “Went Completely Black” During the Attack
Buchanan also stabbed his father, who later survived and testified at a preliminary hearing.
The father described the moment his son attacked him:
“His eyes went completely black, no whites in his eyes. I’d never seen him like that before.”
He said it appeared as though his son was “possessed.”
Investigators noted that Buchanan had a history of mental health problems and had previously been deemed incompetent to stand trial before later being ruled competent.
Emotional Courtroom as Victim’s Mother Says Nothing Will Ever Be the Same
During sentencing, Nancy Duckworth, Kelly’s mother, delivered an emotional victim impact statement.
She said:
“Nothing will ever be good or fine again.”
Kelly’s death, she said, destroyed their family in ways that no prison sentence could ever repair.
Judge Tells Defendant He Became a “Monster” During the Killing
Judge Jesse Marino addressed Buchanan directly in court, referencing his own admission during the case.
The judge said:
“You said you turned into a monster, and I can’t say I disagree.”
He told Buchanan to use his time in prison to address his profound mental health struggles.
Buchanan apologized in court and asked his family for forgiveness, though relatives say the trauma of the attack has left a scar that may never heal.
District Attorney: “Family Violence Leaves a Lasting Effect”
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow issued a statement following the sentencing, reaffirming the severity of the crime:
“The tragedy of family violence leaves a lasting effect on the entire family and our community. While this sentence will not bring Mrs. Buchanan back, it punishes the killer and sends a strong message that we will always hold offenders accountable.”
Authorities say Buchanan will serve a minimum of 30 years before being eligible for parole.
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