header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


An Acton man was handed a 40-year prison sentence Friday for the second-degree murder of Christopher Demyen as several family members provided tearful testimony at his killer’s sentencing hearing in Lancaster.

Scott Shipley, 57, of Acton, was found guilty back in April, after a brief trial.

“I think that the verdict reached by the jury was the correct and just verdict and the sentence that the defendant received was just,” said Tom Trainor, deputy district attorney for Los Angeles County. “While no sentence can ever bring Demyen back to his family, this can hopefully provide them with some finality in this chapter of their life.”

The second-degree murder charge means Shipley would have to serve 25 years of a life sentence before he’s eligible for parole. An additional 15 years to life was a result of the charge that he used a gun to commit the crime is to be served consecutively, which means Shipley would have to serve at least 85 percent of those 40 years of his sentence before he’s eligible for release.

 

murderer-gets-40-year-sentence-2013-acton-shooting-43046

Christopher Demyen (right)

The murder on Eagle Butte Road in Acton

Shipley was headed toward his house on the 1300 block of Eagle Butte Road, where he saw an Acton Water Company truck parked in front of a neighbor’s house filling up a pool, according to a statement from the District Attorney’s Office.

Shipley called Demyen, owner of the Acton Water Company, to complain, and the two got into an argument after Demyen arrived on scene.

Shipley told Demyen he would be leaving his truck to block the company truck and walked to his house where he retrieved a gun, according to testimony during trial, according to the neighbor who owned the pool and witnessed the whole altercation.

Shipley reportedly told Demyen, “Hit me and see what you get.” Shipley then pushed Demyen, a fight ensued and Shipley pulled out the gun and shot the victim in the chest, the prosecutor said.

 

Impact statement from the murder victim’s family

Five family members made impact statements in court Friday, Trainor said.

Speaking on behalf of the family was: Demyen’s wife, Amber; his niece, Jessica; his nephew, Aaron; and his mother, Jean Demyen. All gave emotional testimony about their loss.

“(Jean Demyen) got up to speak, but couldn’t really get past, ‘I’m the mother of Christopher Demyen,’ and she was unable to continue,” Trainor said, “so someone stepped into read her prepared statement.”

Amber Demyen was six months pregnant when the murder occurred, and later gave birth to the couple’s daughter, Christelle, who was a stillborn at nine months.

“(Amber’s pregnancy) was a topic that was touched upon by most, if not all of the people who spoke today,” Trainor said, noting it was the couple’s third child.

Christopher Demyen was buried at Eternal Valley on May 30, 2013.

A Go Fund Me page was set up to help the family with costs. It raised several hundred dollars more than the page’s $30,000 goal.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

30 Comments

  1. Such a senseless death

  2. Mike-Grace A. Gasinski

  3. prayers to Amber Hamilton Demyen and her family.

  4. I’m so glad!! Praying for Amber, the Demyen’s and the Hamilton’s.

  5. RIP Chris… You will never be forgotten

  6. Sandra Caipo Sandra Caipo says:

    My heart breaks for his loved ones!

  7. Why was he upset about the water truck filling up the neighbors pool?

  8. Such a sad story! My heart goes out the family and friends! They didn’t just lose Christopher! All for what?

  9. Lydia Poesse Lydia Poesse says:

    Did Shipley ever explain why he did such a horrible, senseless thing ?

  10. Lydia Poesse Lydia Poesse says:

    Did Shipley ever explain why he did such a horrible, senseless thing ?

  11. Nina Garwood Nina Garwood says:

    What a tragic, senseless loss. God bless this family .

  12. Tori Morales Tori Morales says:

    What a shame, my heart goes out to Amber. She had two horrible losses back to back. I pray she finds peace.

  13. So sad, my heart goes out to the family especially his widow.

    I read the story, but I’m not understanding what happened, does anyone know why this occurred over a truck filling a pool?

  14. Joe Kensil Joe Kensil says:

    Good Guy with a gun. Uh huh.

  15. Joe Kensil Joe Kensil says:

    Good Guy with a gun. Uh huh.

  16. I had no idea about this. My prayers are with Chris’ loved ones.

  17. I had no idea about this. My prayers are with Chris’ loved ones.

  18. RIP..my pray are with him and his love one..what a sad story:(

  19. This is the greatest news since this horrible tragedy. . I hope he rots in hell he deserved every ounce of what he got!
    We have all been devastated over Chris’s loss and we will never be the same without him..he left this world too soon….may his legacy live on in his beautiful children and his family and friends will keep his memory alive!! ♡

  20. John Hayward John Hayward says:

    Finally some Real Justice in America.

  21. Yvette Todd Yvette Todd says:

    A 40 year sentence is not enough. He will probably make parole in 20.

  22. Great tragedy, Chris was a good man, may he rest in peace.

  23. Yeah.. reading the second side changed things… the guy should have got half that sentence.. he should have never carried the gun.. but what good guy approaches a truck with a tow hook? Combative on both sides

  24. Jan Evanson Jan Evanson says:

    Some closure, although Chris will be missed everyday

Leave a Comment


SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
Keep Up With Our Facebook

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
SCVNews.com