The article reports that Derek Spencer, 44, was arrested three times in under two weeks and released after each booking before authorities say he killed 76‑year‑old Cheryl Macy and engaged in a deadly shootout with deputies near Iowa Hill. A CHP infrared aircraft helped locate Spencer; deputies returned fire during a standoff and fatally struck him. Sacramento and Placer county officials criticized California bail rules and a recent state Supreme Court decision for limiting judges' pretrial detention authority.
California Man Arrested Three Times, Freed Each Time, Later Killed After Alleged Rampage That Left 76-Year-Old Dead
Derek Spencer, 44, was wanted for several felonies, including pointing a firearm at people in Placer County.
A California man who was arrested three times within roughly two weeks and released after each booking was later linked to a violent crime spree that ended with the death of a 76-year-old woman and a fatal shootout with sheriff's deputies, authorities said.
Prosecutors identified the suspect as Derek Spencer, 44. They said Sacramento County prosecutors had sought to keep Spencer detained after an early-September incident in which deputies accused him of assaulting a sheriff's deputy. A judge set bail as required by law, Spencer posted bond and was released on Sept. 11. He was subsequently arrested two more times and released both times before the later violence unfolded.
Allegations, Arrests and Releases
According to the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office, Spencer was first arrested Sept. 3 on charges that included felony vandalism, resisting arrest and assault on a deputy with a deadly weapon. On Sept. 8 prosecutors filed additional charges, including felony assault with a deadly weapon likely to cause great bodily injury and attempting to prevent a deputy from performing official duties through threats or violence.
Placer County sheriff's deputies searched the steep, heavily wooded terrain near Iowa Hill for murder suspect Derek Spencer.
Although prosecutors requested he remain in custody, a judge set bail. Spencer posted bond and was released on Sept. 11. Less than 48 hours later, Folsom police arrested him after responding to an alarm at a model home on Dehone Circle on Sept. 13; he was booked and released on his own recognizance the following day. Two days after that, Sacramento County deputies arrested Spencer on suspicion of stealing a vehicle; he posted bail and was released on Sept. 17. He later failed to appear for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 18, prompting a bench warrant.
Manhunt, Murder Allegation and Fatal Confrontation
Authorities say the alleged rampage escalated across county lines. On Sept. 19, Spencer is accused of stealing another vehicle and firearms and firing at a moving car in El Dorado County. The next day Placer County deputies began searching for him after reports he had pointed a firearm at victims.
Deputies sighted Spencer near Iowa Hill; officials allege he rammed a patrol vehicle to evade capture, fired at deputies and law-enforcement helicopters, and fled into steep, heavily wooded terrain. Tactical teams clearing a home where he had been seen discovered 76-year-old Cheryl Macy shot to death inside. Authorities have not publicly identified any prior connection between Macy and Spencer.
Multiple law enforcement agencies joined the search for armed murder suspect Derek Spencer in the rugged Iowa Hill area.
A California Highway Patrol aircraft using infrared located Spencer shortly before 2:30 a.m. on Monday, the Placer County Sheriff's Office said. Multiple tactical teams moved through darkness to reach him. Deputies say Spencer opened fire as they approached; drone footage reportedly captured him starting two separate fires. At about 4 a.m., deputies say Spencer fired from behind a berm and officers returned fire, fatally striking him.
Flames in the forest soon threatened SWAT personnel. A Washoe County Sheriff's Office RAVEN aviation team performed a night hoist to extract three tactical operators from the area under low-visibility conditions — a capability available to only a limited number of regional law-enforcement aviation units, the office said.
Officials Respond
The Placer County Sheriff's Office described the events as a "dangerous crime spree that took a tragic turn, resulting in the loss of an innocent life." Sacramento County prosecutors criticized state bail rules and pointed to the California Supreme Court's Kowalczyk decision, arguing recent legal limits on pretrial detention have constrained judges' ability to hold repeat offenders pretrial.
Cheryl Macy worked for the Placer County District Attorney's Office from 2006 to 2020.
"While the District Attorney's Office has and will continue to argue that dangerous and repeat offenders like Derek Spencer remain in custody, California must repeal the Kowalczyk decision and change the law to prioritize victims when addressing bail," the Sacramento DA's office said.
Victim And Community
Cheryl Macy worked for the Placer County District Attorney's Office from 2006 until 2020 and was remembered by colleagues as a warm, energetic presence. Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire honored Macy at a county Board of Supervisors meeting, calling her loss devastating. Family members shared memories of her kindness and a signature three-squeeze hug she gave loved ones.
The fatal deputy-involved shooting and Macy's death remain under investigation by the relevant agencies.
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