A California grandfather was shot dead in a fit of remorse as he tried to apologize to a murder suspect who caused a minor fender-bending accident in a Walmart parking lot.
Jonathan Mauk, 59, was leaving to meet family when he accidentally backed his Chevrolet Camaro into Shauntez Marie Norton’s car, his son said. ABC7.
Mauk was driving through the parking lot looking for an open spot when Norton backed out of the parking lot. He then reportedly crashed into Norton’s car.
“According to witnesses, my father felt responsible. It was his fault, so he got out of the car to apologize and that’s when the other person shot him,” said Matthew Mauck, eldest son. said.
Norton, 37, is said to have shot his grandfather in the face as he got out of his car to make amends for the accident. According to KTLA.
She is suspected of fleeing the parking lot after the shooting, but was arrested the next day.
Norton was subsequently charged with murder.
Hawke’s son revealed that when he went to collect his father’s car later that day, there was “no actual damage” to the car.
“There’s a scratch on the fender. There’s no dents, there’s no major damage. There’s a scratch. That’s the extent of the collision that killed him,” Mauk told the outlet.
Matthew Mauk said his father “loved being called Grandpa” because he “loved that title,” but he only went to the store to buy salt and soda to make homemade beef jerky with his family. It is said that he stopped by.
“Words can’t even explain why something like that happened or what goes through a person’s mind to make them think that’s acceptable behavior,” Matthew Mauk said. “None of it makes any sense.”
Mork will be remembered by his loved ones as a family man, classic car enthusiast, and trusted friend.
“When I found out he was killed, I cried,” Hawk’s friend and co-worker Lee Hall told KTLA. “That’s what he loved – cars. He probably would have fixed the woman’s car for free, but she ended up shooting him.”
As the family tries to pick up the pieces after the murder, Mork’s son says he won’t let that deter him from pursuing justice.
“We’re going to be at every court hearing. Whatever has to do with this case, we’re going to be there,” Mauk said. “We’re going to speak out and talk about it.”
Norton entered a not guilty plea in his first court appearance this week, the newspaper said.
She is scheduled to appear in court again on February 15th.
The Highland Walmart is approximately 8 miles from San Bernardino International Airport.
Mauk’s senseless killing comes just weeks after his Colorado grandfather was also shot and killed during an argument.
On January 27, Richard Sanchez, 60, was shot and killed during an altercation with a 13-year-old suspect on a Denver RTD bus.
Police believe the argument between the teenage murder suspect and Mr. Sanchez began over an older man blocking the aisle with his foot.
