Fatal shooting in Ben Lomond determined self defense, says Sheriff’s Office

UPDATE: 12/8/2017 11:46 a.m. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man shot and killed by his father at their Ben Lomond home as 30-year-old Richard Oates Jr.

The Sheriff’s Office said they have determined the fatal shooting to be a tragic case of self defense. Oates Jr.’s father shot him on Sunday, December 3, after he said his son attacked him.

Authorities told KION they had minimal contact with Oates Jr. in the past and would not comment on his mental state.

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The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide out of Ben Lomond where a man shot and killed his son.

According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Deputies were called to the 100 block of Ridge Road in Ben Lomond for a report of a man with a gunshot wound. The shooting occurred Sunday, December 3, around 4:19 p.m.

The Sheriff’s Office said, “The caller told Dispatch that his adult son attacked him and during the assault he shot his son in the upper body.”

The son died at the scene. The homicide is being investigated and no arrests have been made.