A man from California, who admitted earlier this year to fatally stabbing his stepmother and attempting to murder his father, has received a lengthy prison sentence.
In October, Justin Tray Buchanan, aged 34, confessed to murdering Kelly Jean Buchanan, attempting to murder William Louis Buchanan, and assaulting their neighbor, Sergio Rangel, with a knife. These details were confirmed by the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office.
The violent episodes unfolded on July 16, 2023, when Buchanan attacked his parents with a knife during an argument. The confrontation with his stepmother spilled out into the yard, prompting Rangel to step in.
Surveillance cameras captured Justin Buchanan pursuing his stepmother around the property before tackling her to the ground and stabbing her at least seven times, as reported by the San Luis Obispo Tribune. Rangel rushed to the scene after hearing her cries for help.
Although Rangel managed to fend off Buchanan without injury, Kelly Buchanan succumbed to her injuries, and William Buchanan was left seriously wounded.
“The tragedy of family violence leaves a lasting impact on both the family and our community,” stated District Attorney Dan Dow. “While this sentence cannot bring Mrs. Buchanan back, it serves as a punishment for the perpetrator and emphasizes our commitment to holding offenders accountable to the fullest extent of California law.”
William Buchanan previously testified at a preliminary hearing about his son’s attack, the Tribune said.
“His eyes went completely black, no whites in his eyes,” he said. “I’d never seen him like that before.”
Justin Buchanan apologized and asked his family to forgive him before he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
