Trinity Pines Man Arrested for Murder

Trinity Co. Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

On July 23, 2013 at approximately 8:00 pm the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office received a call of shots being fired in the area of White Oak Drive in Trinity Pines [east of Ruth Lake.] When Officers arrived on scene a deceased gunshot victim was located. Suspect James Cummings [age 44 of Trinity Pines] was arrested and booked into the Trinity County Jail on the above charges in connection with the shooting. The victim’s name will not be released until the family has been notified. Updates will be available this afternoon as investigators have been on scene all night.  

UPDATE 4:35 P.M.: Trinity Co. Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

On July 23, 2013 at approximately 8:00 pm the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a witness of a shooting outside of a residence on White Oak Drive in Trinity Pines outside of Hayfork, CA. When Deputies arrived on scene they located the victim deceased with a gunshot wound to his chest. At that time James Cummings was detained in connection with the shooting of the victim found at the scene.

A witness at the scene told Investigators that he had gotten into an argument with Cummings at the witness’ residence. During the argument Cummings had left the witness’ residence and had gone to his (Cummings’) trailer which is on the witness’ property. Cummings then returned to the outside of the witness’ residence and continued arguing with the witness. The victim was present during the verbal altercation and was allegedly shot by Cummings during the argument. The witness then contacted the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.

Witness’ names are not being released due to the ongoing investigation. The victim’s name will be released once all family notifications have been made.  

UPDATE 7/25: Trinity Co. Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

The victim of the July 23, 2013 homicide that occurred in Trinity Pines outside of Hayfork, CA was identified as Martin Paul McKown, DOB: 12/16/1962 from Trinity Pines.