In a tragic turn of events, a California grandfather was fatally shot following a minor car accident in a Walmart parking lot in Highland, near San Bernardino.
The incident, which took place on February 5, involved 59-year-old Jonathan Mauk, who was attempting to apologize for accidentally hitting another vehicle with his Camaro. The driver of the other vehicle, identified as 37-year-old Shawntece Marie Norton, responded with lethal force.
The San Bernardino Police Department confirmed that Norton fled the scene immediately after the shooting. She was apprehended the following day and has since pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
Matthew Mauk, the victim's eldest son, expressed his disbelief and grief to ABC 7. "I can't even put into words why that happened or what would go through a person's mind to make that seem like an acceptable action. None of it makes sense," he said.
He further detailed the minor nature of the accident that led to his father's death. "There is a scratch on the fender. There is not a dent, there is no real damage. There is a scratch. That is the extent of the collision that he lost his life over," Mauk explained.
According to witnesses, Jonathan Mauk felt responsible for the accident and had exited his vehicle to apologize when he was shot. Matthew Mauk described his father as a reliable friend and a loving father of three sons who cherished his role as a grandfather. "He liked being called grandpa. He said it made him feel old but he loved the title," Mauk shared, adding that his father also had a passion for classic cars.
Norton is due to appear in court on February 15. The Mauk family is determined to see justice served. Matthew Mauk declared, "We'll be there for every single court hearing - anything that has to do with this incident we're going to be there. We're going to be vocal, we're going to talk about it."
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