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.
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.
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30 Comments
Such a senseless death
Amanda Johnson
Mike-Grace A. Gasinski
prayers to Amber Hamilton Demyen and her family.
I’m so glad!! Praying for Amber, the Demyen’s and the Hamilton’s.
RIP Chris… You will never be forgotten
My heart breaks for his loved ones!
Why was he upset about the water truck filling up the neighbors pool?
Such a sad story! My heart goes out the family and friends! They didn’t just lose Christopher! All for what?
Did Shipley ever explain why he did such a horrible, senseless thing ?
Did Shipley ever explain why he did such a horrible, senseless thing ?
What a tragic, senseless loss. God bless this family .
What a shame, my heart goes out to Amber. She had two horrible losses back to back. I pray she finds peace.
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?
Shipleys driveway was blocked. http://theavtimes.com/2014/04/24/accused-killer-testifies-claims-self-defense/
Sheena Roque
Good Guy with a gun. Uh huh.
Good Guy with a gun. Uh huh.
I had no idea about this. My prayers are with Chris’ loved ones.
I had no idea about this. My prayers are with Chris’ loved ones.
Gregory
Gregory
RIP..my pray are with him and his love one..what a sad story:(
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!! ♡
I agree 100%. May God’s grace & peace be with his family, loved ones & friends. So tragic!
Finally some Real Justice in America.
A 40 year sentence is not enough. He will probably make parole in 20.
Great tragedy, Chris was a good man, may he rest in peace.
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
Some closure, although Chris will be missed everyday