Photo: Mark Vermillion
CANYON LAKE – Riverside County Sheriff’s Department – Lake Elsinore Station Deputies heeded an unusual call at 3 PM call on 10/09/2020. A man living behind the gates of the community known as Canyon Lake had admitted to attempting to murder his mom – with a hacksaw.
Law enforcement swiftly entered the master-planned and gated Inland Empire city, which is only accessed by the permission of a resident. The secure city, located on the Canyon Lake reservoir east of Lake Elsinore, also has the highest percentage of registered Republicans in Southern California.
This unusual location was featured in a BBC TV documentary in 2006, “United Gates of America, ” exploring why people chose to lock themselves behind gates and fences. Even more so – what effects it had on them.
Mayhem reared its terrifying head behind these gates, as Deputies saw upon arrival at the 30400 block of South Fork. Mark Vermillion (61) “said he’d just attempted to murder his mother with a hacksaw,” said Sergeant Jeff Reese.
Deputies detained Vermillion at the scene, as they located his mom in the master bedroom – with half of her right foot severed. Life-saving measures were immediately employed, for a quick transport to Inland Valley Medical Center.
“Mark Vermillion was transported to the Cois Byrd Detention Center and booked on charges of attempted murder, mayhem and elder abuse,” said Sgt. Reese. Vermillion’s mom is listed in stable condition.
Anyone with additional information regarding this ongoing investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator Andrade at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245-3300 regarding case #CN202820008.
Riverside Sheriff’s Department issued the following reminder: “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.
