James Arnel, 47, was shot and killed outside a residence on Pine Hollow Drive in Shingletown, California, on July 1, 2014. James and his mother, Ida Arnel, had been visiting Michael Donald Ackley, a close friend, and the three had been drinking for several hours before leaving. They returned shortly after to retrieve a missing boot from James’s vehicle.

One round struck and killed James; Ida suffered minor injuries, bruises and a wound to her wrist. Ida and James reportedly identified themselves, but Ackley said he did not hear them and continued firing. Deputies found Ackley distraught, hugging James’s body, and he was arrested and charged.

The case raises questions about how a familiar visit became a fatal misidentification and about the role of fear and mental state in the shooting. If anyone knew James, Ida or Michael Ackley, or was in the area that night, please share what can help clarify what happened.