On April 6, 2025, 65-year-old Shawn Parrish of Sacramento was killed while hunting in the Fremont Wier Wildlife Area near Knights Landing, California. Parrish was struck in the back of the head by a shotgun blast around 9:00 a.m.; emergency responders attempted life-saving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities identified the shooter as 80-year-old John Lee of Sacramento. Lee was hunting turkey in the area and fired his shotgun into a bush, reportedly unaware Parrish was in the line of fire. Lee was taken into custody without resistance and booked into the Sutter County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and negligent discharge of a firearm. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and other agencies investigated.

Officials described the incident as a hunting accident that underscores the risks when visibility is poor and urged hunters to ensure a clear line of sight before firing. Does anyone have information about hunting activity or safety practices in the Fremont Wier area that morning?