An Anderson man shot and killed a 33-year-old Burney man early this morning after he allegedly caught him trying to steal property from his Tranquil Lane home, investigators say. Jerry Kirk called 911 around 3:40 a.m. saying he'd just shot a man in his front yard, Shasta County sheriff's Capt. Dave Compomizzo said late this morning.
Compomizzo said Curtis Evin Ingalls died from his wounds on the property. The home sits behind the gate at the end of a quiet street surrounded by walnut orchards and horse pastures.
Compomizzo declined to say how many times Ingalls had been shot with Kirk's handgun or where he had been hit. The two men knew each other, Compomizzo said.
Kirk went to confront Ingalls after he caught him trying to take tools and other equipment from the property, Compomizzo said.
"He didn't assault Kirk, but he went after him," Compomizzo said.
No arrests have been made in the case. Crime scene investigators remained at the property throughout the morning, and investigators continued interviewing witnesses and family members throughout the day, Compomizzo said.
Ingalls has a lengthy criminal history in Shasta County, and on July 8, he pleaded no contest to obstructing an executive officer, a felony, according to electronic superior court records. He was to be sentenced on Aug. 5.
In January, Ingalls pleaded no contest to obstructing a police officer and injuring a police dog. He was sentenced to 63 days in Shasta County jail, court records show. Compomizzo said it will be up to the Shasta County District Attorney's Office to decide whether he'll be charged in the case.
Scripps Interactive Newspaper Group
©2010 The E.W. Scripps Co.