David Gabriel Barger Sequoia, a 25-year-old resident of Eureka, California, died on March 18, 2010, as a result of a fatal shooting involving the Eureka Police Department. The incident occurred during a confrontation in a carport in an alley off Summer Street. According to reports, Sequoia, also known as David Gabriel Barger, was involved in a dispute over stolen money at a nearby apartment complex. During the altercation, Sequoia allegedly fired shots, prompting a response from the police.
Officers Patrick Bishop and Sgt. Rodrigo Reyna-Sanchez were identified as the ones who fired the shots that ultimately led to Sequoia's death. Bishop fired a single round into Sequoia's chest, while Reyna-Sanchez fired the fatal shot into his head. An autopsy confirmed that either of the gunshot wounds would have been fatal.
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted an investigation into the use of deadly force in this incident. The DOJ's role was to act as independent fact-finders and determine whether the use of deadly force was justified. The investigation process varied on a case-by-case basis and typically took several months to complete. The findings were then turned over to the district attorney with jurisdiction over the case for a final determination.
Prior to his death, David Gabriel Barger Sequoia had a history of legal troubles. In January 2009, he was sentenced to three years in prison for vehicle theft. This sentence came after he was acquitted of first-degree murder charges in October 2008. The murder case involved the death of Rex Shinn, who was found buried on a marijuana farm in Honeydew, California. Barger was reportedly high on methamphetamine at the time of the incident and was accused of shooting Shinn multiple times. Although he was acquitted of the murder charges, Barger was convicted of felony vehicle theft for taking Shinn's truck.
The circumstances surrounding Sequoia's death and his prior legal issues highlight a complex and troubled history. The fatal shooting by the police was a culmination of a series of events that involved criminal activities, substance abuse, and violent confrontations. The DOJ's investigation aimed to provide clarity and accountability regarding the use of deadly force by the officers involved.
