Murder Suspect Killed in Shootout After Overnight Manhunt in California
PLACER COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — September 21, 2026

A 44-year-old murder suspect was killed in a shootout with Placer County sheriff’s deputies early Monday after an overnight manhunt through a heavily wooded area near Iowa Hill, authorities said.

The suspect was identified as Derek Spencer, who was wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a woman and several other violent incidents.

Woman Found DeadInside Home
The manhunt began Sunday after deputies encountered Spencer in the Iowa Hill area.

Authorities said Spencer allegedly rammed a sheriff’s patrol vehicle and opened fire at law enforcement before fleeing into the surrounding forest.

During a search of a residence where Spencer had reportedly been earlier, tactical officers discovered an adult woman who had been shot and killed.

Her identity had not been released as of Monday morning. Investigators said they believe Spencer killed the woman before escaping into the forest.

Suspect Located Before Dawn
Special Enforcement Team members moved into the area shortly before 2:30 a.m. Monday after a California Highway Patrol aircraft equipped with infrared technology helped locate Spencer.

Deputies said tactical teams moved through steep terrain and eventually reached the area where Spencer was hiding.

According to authorities, Spencer fired several shots at deputies, leading to an extended standoff.

Deadly Shootout
Around 4 a.m., authorities said Spencer again fired toward deputies from behind a berm.

Deputies returned fire and struck Spencer, killing him at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were reported injured during the confrontation.

Drone footage also showed Spencer allegedly starting two separate fires during the standoff. Fire crews began working to contain the fires after the law enforcement operation ended.

Three Arrests Earlier This Month
Sheriff’s officials said Spencer had been arrested three times earlier in September.

Those arrests involved allegations including vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, burglary and vehicle theft. Authorities said he was released following each of those arrests.

On September 19, investigators alleged that Spencer stole another vehicle and firearms in El Dorado County and fired at a moving vehicle before the events in Iowa Hill.

The circumstances surrounding the woman’s killing and the series of incidents remain under investigation.

Sources
ABC10 — Murder suspect killed in shootout with Placer County Sheriff’s Office
CBS Sacramento — Placer County deputies kill armed suspect after Iowa Hill shootout
KCRA — Man wanted for murder dead after shootout with Placer County deputies
KOLO — Manhunt ends with armed and dangerous suspect killed in shootout