A man who was fleeing Clark County deputies when he rang the doorbell of an off-duty Vancouver police officer in January 2022 was found guilty of the officer’s murder Friday, even though he didn’t fire the fatal rounds.
A jury found Julio Segura, 23, guilty of the first-degree and second-degree murder of 52-year-old Don Sahota.
Segura also was found guilty of first-degree robbery, attempting to elude police and possession of a stolen vehicle after authorities say he stole a car in Yakima, robbed a gas station in Orchards, crashed the car near downtown Battle Ground and then ran from deputies through the woods and to the home of Sahota by random chance.
Segura’s sentencing hearing is set for June 27.
Segura stabbed Sahota — puncturing his lungs and nearly gutting him — but it was Clark County sheriff’s Deputy Jonathan Feller who responded to the scene and fatally shot Sahota after mistaking him for the suspect on Jan. 29, 2022. Clark County Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik announced last year that Feller wouldn’t face charges for the shooting.
The prosecution said even though Segura didn’t shoot Sahota, he was the sole person responsible for Sahota’s death because of his highly dangerous acts that led to the fatal encounter.
The jury agreed.
“It has been a long, emotional wait for the family and friends of Donald Sahota and while we are grateful for this verdict, the pain and tragedy of Don’s death remains,” Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori said. “Don was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend who will always be missed and never forgotten.”
In a statement from Vancouver police, the department also thanked the jury and prosecutors.
“Today’s verdict provides the first step toward healing the pain, grief, sadness and loss for the Sahota family, the VPD family and the community,” the statement read.
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