Man found guilty in killing of Rancho Cordova Sheriff's deputy

The man who killed a Rancho Cordova-based Sheriff's deputy was found guilty in court Tuesday. Anton Lemon Paris was found guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting death of Deputy Mark Stasyuk and attempted murder of Stasyuk's partner, Deputy Julie Robertson. On Sept. 17, 2018, deputies Stasyuk and Robertson responded to a call of a verbal disturbance at a Rancho Cordova Pep Boys store on Folsom Blvd. When they arrived, the deputies tried to talk with Paris but he took cover and a gunfight ensued, according to the Rancho Cordova Police Department. Stasyuk was hit several times. Robertson was hit in the arm. A bystander was also injured. Stasyuk had been a Sheriff's deputy for 4.5 years and according to the Rancho Cordova Police Department website, "His life-long aspirations were fulfilled as he served our community of Rancho Cordova as a patrol officer. He was a self-motivated, energetic officer who enjoyed meeting our City's students and residents." The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office released a social media post expressing gratitude that justice was served for the death of Deputy Stasyuk: "We express our profound gratitude for the conviction of the individual responsible for the tragic death of Deputy Mark Stasyuk, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on September 17, 2018." The statement continued: "Deputy Stasyuk's dedication to serving our community will never be forgotten, and today's verdict brings a measure of justice to his memory and solace to his loved ones, our agencies, and our entire community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the case, from the investigators to the prosecutors, for their unwavering commitment to seeking justice." A picture of Stasyuk is on the Rancho Cordova Police Department website on a Peace Officers Memorial page, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The page also has a written tribute to Stasyuk, honoring his bravery and service to his community: "The loss of Officer Mark Stasyuk will leave a lasting scar on his law enforcement family and our community. Officer Stasyuk's sacrifice will remain an inspiration to all as we strive to live our lives and serve our community with the same vigor and commitment that he displayed every day. We will never forget." Paris is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 19.