Upon arrival, deputies discovered Christopher Smith, 41 of Fenton, Missouri, with a gunshot wound to his hand and chest.
As deputies continued their investigation they located the suspect, Robert Pearson, 51 of Stonyford California. Pearson was found along the shore of the lake with an apparent self-inflicted fatal gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, Smith and his family had traveled to the reservoir for a fishing trip. Upon arriving, they had come in contact with Pearson and his family where he gave advice on where to fish.
“Both parties had gone to the lake to fish together,” said Colusa County Sheriff Sergeant Neil Pearson,
At some point, a member of Smith’s family had walked up on Pearson while he was fishing. For unknown reasons, Pearson became irritated and pointed a rifle at Smith’s family member, giving threats.
The family member returned to camp, leaving some fishing gear behind.
Smith then drove back to the location to retrieve the fishing gear; that is when Pearson raised his rifle at Smith, firing a single shot at him. The round hit the top edge of the victims car door, shattering the window and striking Smith in the hand and chest.
Smith was transported to the Stonyford Fire Station where he received medical treatment, and was transported to Enloe Medical Center for additional treatment.
The matter is still under investigation at this time. ■
