John Chiv: Shaun McMahon found guilty of first degree murder

Nov 9, 2023

Shaun McMahon found guilty of first degree murder

On 11/8, defense motion to reconsider was denied. The typed court minutes for 11/9 are still not in e court as of 11/13 in the morning; will add when available. Sentencing is 12/6. McMahon status was changed to no bail.

11/9 court minutes:

I reported on this case, last post was this Monday. DA press release misspelled his first name.

DA Press Release:

On November 9, 2023, a Humboldt County jury found Shawn Patrick McMahon, age 51, guilty of first degree murder for killing Benjamin Thomas, age 41. The jury also found that Mr. McMahon personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, causing Mr. Thomas’s death.

The murder occurred in June of 2021, on Bald Hills Road in a remote part of Humboldt County.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees prosecuted the case at trial, with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Martin Morris and Victim Advocates Caitlyn LaHaie and Morgan Polasek. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, led by Investigator Destry Henderson. Mr. McMahon was represented by local attorney RJ Leohner. The Honorable Timothy Canning, Judge, presided over the three-week jury trial.

Mr. McMahon is scheduled for sentencing on December 6, 2023. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

District Attorney Stacey Eads commends the community members that are willing to come forward and serve as jurors, and the willingness of witnesses to come forward to notify law enforcement and ultimately testify in court.

11/9 court minutes (with verdict):

12/6: Sentencing continued by defense.

Toll time and time waiver status scheduled on 12/8/23. Sentencing continued to 1/24/24. Toll time is to pause or a delay in the time period set forth by a case's statute of limitations.

12/8: Time waived for sentencing. Defense subpoenas DHHS.

1/24: Sentenced 50 years to life.