I. Introduction: The Cost of Duty in Rancho Cordova

On September 17, 2018, Rancho Cordova and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department faced a devastating loss when Deputy Mark Stasyuk, just 27 years old, was shot and killed while responding to what appeared to be a routine disturbance call at a Pep Boys auto shop on Folsom Boulevard. The gunman, Anton Lemon Paris, then 38, was swiftly apprehended after a violent shootout with police.

Six years later, the long legal battle for justice remains unfinished. In July 2024, a jury found Paris guilty of first-degree murder with special circumstances—the killing of a peace officer. However, during the sentencing phase to decide between death penalty or life without parole (LWOP), the jury became deadlocked. A mistrial was declared in September 2024, leaving the final resolution uncertain.

As the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office prepares for a November 15, 2024 decision on whether to pursue another penalty trial, the case continues to test the balance between accountability, compassion, and the cost of justice.

II. The Deadly Encounter: How the 2018 Ambush Unfolded

A. From Disturbance Call to Tragedy

At 1:44 p.m., dispatchers received a call about a “verbal disturbance” at the Pep Boys store. Deputies Mark Stasyuk and Julie Robertson responded, unaware that the suspect, Anton Paris, was armed and agitated. Witnesses later testified that Paris had been making threats to “kill everyone” inside the store before police arrived—evidence prosecutors later cited to prove premeditated intent.

B. The Ambush

Video footage showed that when Deputies Stasyuk and Robertson entered, neither had drawn their weapons. Paris suddenly bolted toward the door, turned around, and opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun.

• A store employee was shot in the back and survived.
• Deputy Stasyuk was struck in the torso, then fatally shot in the head as Paris pursued him outside.
• Deputy Robertson was shot in the arm but managed to return fire before calling for help.

C. The Pursuit and Arrest

Paris fled but was intercepted by responding officers. When he opened fire again, deputies shot and wounded him before taking him into custody. Deputy Stasyuk was later pronounced dead at UC Davis Medical Center.

III. Deputy Mark Stasyuk: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

Deputy Stasyuk was described by colleagues as driven, compassionate, and deeply committed to community service. A graduate of Sacramento State University, his passion for law enforcement began early. In 2021, a memorial was dedicated outside the Rancho Cordova Police Department headquarters, with his name also etched into both the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the California Peace Officers Memorial in Sacramento.

IV. The Trial: From Conviction to Controversy

After years of delay, Anton Lemon Paris stood trial in 2024. On July 23, he was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and felon in possession of a firearm. Prosecutors argued the attack was an ambush, a deliberate act against law enforcement.

Deputy Julie Robertson’s Testimony

During the penalty phase, Robertson recounted how the shooting shattered her life and ended her career. “Many days, I don’t feel like getting up,” she said, emphasizing the enduring trauma of losing her partner and purpose. Her testimony added emotional weight to the prosecution’s case for the death penalty.

V. The Penalty Phase: Trauma vs. Accountability

A. The Defense Argument

Paris’s defense centered on his mental illness and traumatic upbringing. His attorneys detailed his history of psychiatric hospitalizations and childhood abuse, arguing he suffered a severe mental health crisis during the shooting. They appealed for life without parole, citing systemic failure in mental health intervention.

B. The Prosecution Response

Prosecutor Omar Singh countered that Paris’s background did not excuse a calculated act of murder. He emphasized Paris’s conscious decision to shoot, the suffering of Deputy Stasyuk’s family, and the emotional devastation inflicted on Deputy Robertson.

VI. A Jury Divided: The September 2024 Mistrial

After nearly 24 hours of deliberation, the jury announced it was hopelessly deadlocked—10 jurors voted for death, 2 for LWOP. On September 11, 2024, the judge declared a mistrial in the penalty phase.

This outcome revealed that, while most jurors favored capital punishment, two were persuaded by the defense’s mental health arguments—preventing a unanimous death sentence.

The District Attorney’s Office must now decide whether to retry the penalty phase or accept a sentence of life without parole. The decision, expected November 15, 2024, will determine whether the community faces another costly and emotionally taxing trial.

VII. Conclusion: Justice Deferred, Not Denied

Deputy Mark Stasyuk’s death remains a haunting reminder of the sacrifices law enforcement officers make in service to their communities. His memory endures through permanent memorials and the ongoing commitment of colleagues and residents of Rancho Cordova.

Meanwhile, the legal journey of Anton Lemon Paris underscores the broader struggle within America’s justice system—how to balance retribution, compassion, and fairness in cases involving mental illness and capital punishment.

As the November 15 decision approaches, one truth remains: for the family of Deputy Stasyuk, for Deputy Robertson, and for the Rancho Cordova community, the pursuit of closure continues—a painful testament to the unresolved price of service.