Federal officials announced Tuesday that Steven Carrillo, the man already charged in the death of a Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputy, is now facing charges in a second killing, the May 29 shooting death of a federal security officer in Oakland, California.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Carrillo, 32, an active duty Air Force sergeant, was charged last week in connection with the June 6 death of Santa Cruz County Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, 38. On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney David Anderson announced a federal complaint accusing Carrillo and a second man, Robert Justus, of murder and aiding and abetting in the death of Federal Protective Service officer David Patrick Underwood, 53, who was shot outside the federal courthouse in Oakland. A second officer was wounded in the attack.
“Steven Carrillo is the alleged shooter who killed Pat Underwood and wounded his partner,” Anderson said.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jack Bennett said investigators believe the two men chose that night because of a planned protest over the death of George Floyd, which brought large crowds downtown. According to the complaint, the men allegedly exchanged messages that day about traveling to Oakland to target law enforcement. Bennett said authorities believe Justus drove a white van that was used in the attack.
Prosecutors say the same van and an AR 15 style rifle link the Oakland shooting to the Santa Cruz County case. Officials said Justus turned himself in to the FBI.
Several news outlets also reported that Carrillo has alleged ties to an anti government extremist network. Those reports were based on investigators and online posts, and no court has made any findings on that claim.
The charges are allegations. Carrillo and Justus are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
