Published by RawNews1st
He Killed Her Parents In Front Of Her. He Got 128 Years To Life.
Around 12:12 a.m., deputies responded to a home in the 4000 block of Crane Street in Eureka, California, after a shooting. Upon arrival, they found a man and woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel attempted to save them, but both died from their injuries.
The victims were identified as Daniel Garcia and Jennifer Paddock.
Investigators said then-41-year-old Russell Martin Albers forcibly entered Daniel and Jennifer’s home while pursuing Jana Baszler.
Albers shot Daniel, Jennifer, Baszler and Sara Williams inside the home as Daniel and Jennifer’s 4-year-old daughter watched.
Baszler and Williams survived.
The child fled to a neighbor’s home after witnessing her parents’ murders.
Following the shooting, Albers stole a vehicle and fled, leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit.
Albers was taken into custody on December 28, 2022, near Big Lagoon.
He initially pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
In April 2026, Albers withdrew that plea and entered a negotiated plea to two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and firearm enhancements.
As part of the agreement, nearly a dozen additional charges were dismissed. Albers also waived his right to appeal and agreed not to receive credit for the more than three years he had already spent in custody.
During sentencing, the court heard that Daniel and Jennifer’s daughter, now 8 years old, continues to experience nightmares, sleepwalking, bed-wetting and symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress.
The child told the court she witnessed her parents being killed and still wanted to know why Albers murdered them.
On July 16, 2026, Albers was sentenced to 128 years to life in prison.
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