A man from Washington state was found guilty of murder on Friday for his part in the death of a police officer in 2022. The officer, Donald Sahota of the Vancouver Police, was mistakenly shot by a sheriff’s deputy.
Julio Segura of Yakima was convicted by a jury in Clark County on charges including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, and eluding police, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
The incident occurred when Segura robbed a gas station near Vancouver earlier that day. Deputies pursued him to Battle Ground, where his car crashed. Segura fled on foot. Drone footage showed him approaching the Sahota home after a conversation at a nearby street.
According to court records, someone at the home spoke with Segura before he fled. Sahota’s wife called 911 after Segura claimed to have crashed his car and needed help.
Police arrest a pro-Palestinian protester (Via Kat West/Shutterstock)
When Sahota, 52, went outside to confront Segura in the driveway, Segura allegedly stabbed him three times during a struggle. Segura then ran inside as deputies arrived.
Deputy Jonathan Feller, upon seeing Sahota with a gun heading towards the house, opened fire shortly after arriving and accidentally hit Sahota. Sahota later died from gunshot wounds.
Prosecutors argued that Segura’s actions in committing other crimes put Sahota’s life at risk, leading to his death.
