Justin Tray Buchanan (San Luis Obispo District Attorney”s Office).
A California man has been sentenced to spend at least 30 years in prison following the tragic stabbing of his stepmother and severe assault on his father. The incident has shaken the small community of Shandon, located about 90 miles northwest of Bakersfield.
Justin Tray Buchanan, 34, received his sentence on Tuesday and was handed a term of 30 years to life for the murder of Kelly Jean Buchanan and the attempted murder of his father. This sentencing was confirmed by the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office. Buchanan also faced charges for assaulting a neighbor who intervened during the attack. He entered a guilty plea to charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault earlier in October.
The disturbing events unfolded on July 16, 2023, at a residence in Shandon. Details published by the San Luis Obispo Tribune describe an argument that escalated between Buchanan and his family members. Security footage captured the harrowing scene of Buchanan pursuing his stepmother through the house, ultimately tackling her and inflicting multiple stab wounds as she cried out for help.
In a courageous attempt to stop the violence, a neighbor intervened, facing Buchanan’s aggression. The neighbor managed to defend himself using various available items. Buchanan’s father was also stabbed in the altercation but survived the attack.
During a preliminary hearing, held nearly a year after the incident, Buchanan’s father provided emotional testimony. He recalled the terrifying moment, describing his son’s eyes as appearing to be “completely black, no whites in his eyes,” a sight he had never witnessed before, according to the Tribune.
“His eyes went completely black, no whites in his eyes,” he said, per the Tribune. “I’d never seen him like that before.”
Justin Buchanan reportedly had mental health issues and had previously been deemed incompetent to stand trial.
Nancy Duckworth, Kelly Buchanan’s mother, made an emotional victim impact statement, saying no life sentence can erase the pain of losing her daughter.
“Nothing will ever be good or fine again,” she reportedly said.
Judge Jesse Marino told the defendant that he can spend his time in prison working on his mental health issues.
“You said you turned into a monster, and I can’t say I disagree,” Marino reportedly said.
The defendant apologized for his actions and asked his family for forgiveness.
District Attorney Dan Dow said in a statement after the sentencing: “The tragedy of family violence leaves a lasting effect on the entire family and our community. While this sentence will not bring Mrs. Buchanan back, it serves to punish the killer and to send a strong message to others that we will always hold offenders accountable to the maximum extent we can under California law.”
