A California man, aged 34, has been sentenced to a minimum of 30 years to life imprisonment for the murder of his stepmother and the attempted murder of his father. Justin Tray Buchanan received his sentence on Tuesday, as confirmed by the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office. Buchanan also assaulted a neighbor who attempted to intervene during the incident. In October, he pleaded guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, and assault.
The tragic event unfolded on July 16, 2023, in Shandon, a small town approximately 90 miles northwest of Bakersfield. Reports from the San Luis Obispo Tribune indicated that an argument broke out between Buchanan and his victims at their residence. Security footage revealed Buchanan pursuing his stepmother, Kelly Jean Buchanan, around the house before tackling and stabbing her at least seven times as she cried out for help.
A neighbor, witnessing the horrific scene, attempted to intervene but was attacked by Buchanan. Despite the assault, the neighbor managed to fend off Buchanan using various objects at hand. Buchanan also stabbed his father, who, fortunately, survived the attack.
The father gave his testimony at a preliminary hearing about a year after the incident. He described his son’s demeanor during the attack as if he was possessed, with his eyes appearing completely black. Buchanan reportedly has a history of mental health issues and had previously been declared unfit to stand trial.
Kelly Buchanan’s mother, Nancy Duckworth, delivered a heart-wrenching victim impact statement, expressing that no life sentence could alleviate the pain of losing her daughter. She stated that nothing would ever be the same again.
Judge Jesse Marino addressed Buchanan during the sentencing, suggesting that he could use his time in prison to address his mental health issues. Buchanan apologized for his actions and sought forgiveness from his family.
District Attorney Dan Dow issued a statement following the sentencing, highlighting the lasting impact of family violence on the family and the community. He emphasized that while the sentence could not bring back Mrs. Buchanan, it served to punish the perpetrator and send a strong message of accountability under California law.