Two women were shot to death in Santa Margarita on Christmas night. San Luis Obispo County sheriff’s deputies arrested Andrew Wesley Downs, a 20-year-old Atascadero man, in connection with the killings.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, Downs is suspected of shooting and killing Kathy Yeager, a 61-year-old woman who was visiting relatives for Christmas. When her sister Beverly Reilly entered the house where Yeager had been shot, Downs allegedly shot and killed her. A male relative who had entered the house with Reilly fled when he saw Downs. Downs then reportedly stole a truck and pursued the relative through a field until the vehicle became stuck in mud, according to police reports. Downs then allegedly stole another vehicle and attacked another person in a house in Atascadero. He was captured by two people who were in the home, according to reports.
Downs pleaded not guilty to two charges of premeditated murder along with a single charge of attempted murder. His defense attorney, Mathew Guerrero, asked for and was granted a competency hearing for his client.
Memorial services for Yeager and Reilly will be held New Year’s Day at 1 p.m. at Santa Margarita Ranch. The
This article appears in Dec 30, 2010 – Jan 6, 2011.