Photo: Shaka Watkins
November 25, 2021 – Ventura County, Ca.
Those bent on killing another generally rely on the lethality of firearms, knives, machetes, and the tried-and-true method involving blunt force objects. Given that, perhaps some recognition is due 33-year-old Ventura County transient Shaka Watkins for a more “creative” approach to bringing death to his intended victims.
That approach was fairly straightforward and potentially highly effective on the morning of November 19th: burning down a house with people inside.
According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sr. Deputy Eisenard, deputies attached to VCSD Moorpark Patrol were summoned to a Moonsong Court residence pursuant to the report of a suspect “trying to light the residence on fire.”
When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered an injured 61-year-old male on the ground. Witness reports indicated that the injured man had confronted Watkins who had “poured a significant amount of gasoline on the front door and garage of the residence along with a vehicle.”
That confrontation erupted into “a fight in the middle of the street” prior to the arrival of deputies.
Additional law enforcement assets from the East County Major Crimes Unit, Moorpark Detectives, and Ventura County Arson Investigators “arrived to assist in the investigation.”
The ensuing investigation included “video surveillance, witness statements, and statements made by Watkins.” It then became clear that Watkins has “the intent to burn the residence and kill anyone inside,” whereupon he was taken into custody.
Watkins was then transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on multiple charges of attempted murder and attempted arson, with his bail set at $1,500,000.
Photo: Courtesy Ventura County Jail Booking
