Shandon, California – A Central Coast community is still shaken after a violent 2023 attack that left a woman dead and two others injured. This week, the man responsible learned he will spend at least the next three decades in state prison.
A San Luis Obispo County judge sentenced 34-year-old Justin Tray Buchanan to 30 years to life for killing his stepmother, Kelly Jean Buchanan, and attempting to murder his father during a chaotic assault captured on home security footage. The San Luis Obispo District Attorney confirmed the sentencing, noting Buchanan pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder, and assault.
What Investigators Say Happened
Deputies responded to the family’s home on July 16, 2023, in the small town of Shandon, about 90 miles northwest of Bakersfield. According to investigators, an argument inside the home escalated until Buchanan chased his stepmother out of the house. Footage showed him pursuing her around the property before tackling her and stabbing her at least seven times as she screamed for help.
Kelly Buchanan died at the scene.
Father and Neighbor Also Injured in the Attack
As the assault unfolded, a neighbor saw the attack and rushed in to help. The District Attorney’s Office said Buchanan turned on the neighbor, attacking him as well. The neighbor was able to fight him off using items near the property.
Buchanan then stabbed his father, who survived but suffered serious injuries.
During a preliminary hearing months later, the father described the terrifying moment he faced his son, saying it appeared as if Justin was not himself.
“His eyes went completely black, no whites in his eyes. I’d never seen him like that before,”
he testified, according to local reporting.
Mental Health History and Court Proceedings
Court records indicate Buchanan had a history of mental health struggles and was previously ruled incompetent to stand trial before being later deemed fit to proceed. He ultimately entered guilty pleas in October ahead of sentencing.
Judge Jesse Marino acknowledged Buchanan’s mental health challenges but emphasized that the violence and loss were irreversible.
“You said you turned into a monster, and I can’t say I disagree,”
the judge said during sentencing.
Family Members Deliver Emotional Statements
The victim’s mother, Nancy Duckworth, shared a heartbreaking impact statement, telling the court the loss of her daughter had permanently altered their family.
“Nothing will ever be good or fine again,”
she said.
Buchanan apologized before the court, asking his family for forgiveness.
District Attorney Responds to Sentencing
San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow released a statement after the hearing, underscoring the long-term damage caused by family violence.
“The tragedy of family violence leaves a lasting effect on the entire family and our community. While this sentence will not bring Mrs. Buchanan back, it serves to punish the killer and to send a strong message to others that we will always hold offenders accountable to the maximum extent we can under California law.”
Dow’s office said the case highlights both the dangers of escalating domestic conflict and the need for continued awareness around violent behavioral changes tied to untreated mental health issues.
Community Still Feeling the Impact
Residents in Shandon continue to process the tragedy more than a year after the attack. The case has renewed conversations about recognizing early warning signs of domestic violence, how to contact authorities if a family member shows dangerous behavior, and the importance of community intervention when someone is in immediate danger.
Anyone experiencing or witnessing domestic violence is urged to contact local law enforcement or reach out to national crisis hotlines that offer confidential support.
Share Your Thoughts
If you live in the area or have experienced similar issues in your community, feel free to share your perspective in the comments below.
