DATE: July 23, 2024
CASE: Anton Lemon Paris (Case #18FE018571)
PROSECUTOR: Principal Criminal Attorney Omar Singh, Homicide Unit
Anton Lemon Paris was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder. The special circumstance of killing a peace officer and the use of a gun causing death allegation were found true. He was also convicted of attempted murder and the allegation he committed the crime against a peace officer was found true. He was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On September 17, 2018, Anton Lemon Paris and his ex-girlfriend were at the Pep Boys on Folsom Blvd. in Rancho Cordova. Paris became agitated and began pacing around the store in an aggressive manner while making blatant threatening remarks. Several employees observed Paris knocking things off shelves and saying he was going to kill everyone in the store. One of the employees was able to call law enforcement. Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputy Mark Stasyuk and Deputy Julie Robertson arrived on scene. Deputy Stasyuk walked into the business first and asked Paris if they could talk to him. Video surveillance shows both deputies did not have their guns out or their hands on their weapons at this time. Paris quickly ran towards the open front doors and Deputy Stasyuk followed Paris. Before Deputy Stasyuk made it to the front doors, Paris drew a semi-automatic gun and began to fire, striking an employee in the upper back. Paris immediately turned to face Deputy Stasyuk, who still had not drawn his weapon, and fired on him. Deputy Stasyuk was hit in the torso causing him to stumble out of the doors into the parking area. Paris moved closer to Deputy Stasyuk and fired again, striking him in the head.
Paris then opened fire at Deputy Robertson, who tried to radio out for help. Deputy Robertson engaged Paris in a second exchange of gunfire. Paris then left the area and jogged down Folsom Blvd. When deputies located him, they announced they were law enforcement and directed Paris to show them his hands. Instead, Paris ran towards the deputies and fired at them. The deputies returned fire, striking Paris who was taken into custody and transport to the hospital.
Deputy Stasyuk was pronounced deceased at the hospital. An autopsy revealed he suffered a survivable gunshot wound to the torso and one lethal gunshot wound to his head. Deputy Robertson and the store employee survived their injuries.
"We stand with Deputy Mark Stasyuk's family and Deputy Julie Robertson and her family," said District Attorney Thien Ho. "With today's verdict, we are one step closer to justice."
