Nathan McFadden, a 37-year-old Union laborer and father described as a Son, Brother, Dad and just a caring soul, was killed on the morning of Friday, July 26, 2019, in Manteca, California. At approximately 9:33 a.m. a 911 call came from a jobsite on Verda Court where McFadden and a coworker, Ted DeHoop Jr., were performing renovations for DeHoop’s father. Officers found McFadden on the ground with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

DeHoop, 57 at the time, was at the residence, remained on the phone with dispatchers until police arrived, and cooperated with officers. The firearm used was recovered at the scene. DeHoop told investigators he retrieved a gun from his truck and shot McFadden in self-defense, saying he feared for his life. Investigators determined the shooting was not a random act and that the two had a history of animosity; after reviewing the circumstances they concluded DeHoop’s use of deadly force was not reasonable and arrested him for murder the same day.

A jury later found Ted DeHoop Jr. guilty of first-degree murder in McFadden’s death. If anyone knew Nathan, his work, or the relationship between the two men, please share what might help explain what happened.