Man convicted of killing Washington state trooper who was shot by sheriff's deputy

A Washington state man was convicted of murder Friday for his role in the 2022 death of a police officer mistakenly shot by a sheriff's deputy.

A Clark County jury convicted Yakima's Julio Segura of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding police, all in connection with the Vancouver police officer's death Donald Sahota, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. .

He was acquitted of other charges, including attempted murder.

Sahota was off duty and at home in the town of Battle Ground on January 29, 2022, the day he was fatally shot.

Earlier in the day, Segura robbed a gas station near Vancouver, authorities said, and officers chased his car toward Battle Ground.

The car crashed and Segura took off running, according to prosecutors. Police officers flying a drone saw him walking down a street then heading toward the Sahota home at the end of a private road.

Drone video shows someone at the home opened the door and spoke to Segura for several minutes before the door closed, according to court records. Sahota's wife called 911 to report that a man said he had been in a car accident and needed help.

Sahota, 52, then came out to arrest Segura in the driveway, according to court documents, and Segura stabbed him three times during a struggle. Segura ran into the house when Clark County deputies arrived.

Deputy Jonathan Feller saw Sahota pick up a gun and run toward the house, documents state. Feller opened fire about four seconds after arriving and mistakenly hit Sahota.

Coroners said Sahota died from gunshot wounds to the torso.

Prosecutors argued that Segura caused Sahota's death while committing or attempting to commit other crimes, saying he “engaged in conduct that created a serious risk of death to anyone.”

Segura's defense did not dispute that he stole a car from a Yakima dealership and robbed the gas station with a replica handgun. They said Segura was cornered by Sahota and Feller recklessly opened fire on the unfolding scene.

Segura said he acted in self-defense when he stabbed Sahota.

“It was a difficult case,” defense attorney Michele Michalek said Friday. “And I think Clark County needs to take a hard look at how it handles officer-involved shootings.”

Another defense attorney, Ed Dunkerly, said law enforcement needs more training. When asked if Segura would appeal, he said the defense had a strong argument.

Prosecutor Tony Golik did not respond to requests for comment from Oregon Public Broadcasting. Golik said last year that Feller would not face criminal charges because he acted in “good faith” on a chaotic scene while responding to an armed robbery suspect.

The decision came after a group of prosecutors reviewed the shooting and failed to reach a consensus on the “reasonableness” of Feller's use of force.

Vancouver Police Chief Jeff Mori said in a statement Friday that it had been a long wait for Sahota's family and friends.

“While we are grateful for this verdict, the pain and tragedy of Don’s death remains,” Mori said.

Sentencing is June 27.