HIGHLAND, CA – A routine errand turned fatal for 59-year-old Jonathan Mauk when a minor car collision ensued at a Walmart parking lot. The grandfather’s life was prematurely cut short, leaving his family and the community in shock.
Matthew Mauk, the victim’s oldest son, recalls his father’s trip to the store on February 5th to buy soda and salt, intending to make his popular homemade beef jerky. However, the seemingly mundane trip turned tragic as Mauk was shot and killed.
The incident has left Matthew grappling with the absurdity and senselessness of his father’s death, with no justification for such a violent reaction to a minor car mishap.
The San Bernardino Police Department reported that Mauk was reversing his Camaro when it slightly collided with the perpetrator’s vehicle. Mauk, feeling responsible for the collision, stepped out to apologize, only to be fatally shot by the vehicle’s occupant.
The suspect, 37-year-old Shawntece Marie Norton, who allegedly fled the scene post-shooting, was apprehended and taken into custody the following day.
On inspecting his father’s vehicle after the incident, Matthew noted that a mere scratch on the fender marked the nominal collision that escalated to his father’s untimely demise.
Jonathan Mauk, known amongst his family and community as a dependable friend, a devoted father of three sons, and a classic car enthusiast, found the greatest delight in his role as a grandfather. In the aftermath, a GoFundMe account was established as friends and strangers alike rallied to support the bereaved family.
Facing this tragedy, the Mauk family seeks justice for their patriarch. They intend to engage actively in the legal proceedings, committing to attending every court hearing.
On her part, Norton has entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charges, with her next court appearance scheduled for February 15th.