Cops shoot dead gunman who sparked terror in small California town — as woman’s body is found

By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-09-21 14:36:26 | Updated at 2026-09-21 15:24:17 51 minutes ago

A California man accused of killing a woman and launching a violent crime spree was shot dead by deputies early Sunday after a tense overnight manhunt through rugged forests.

Derek Spencer, 44, was killed around 4 a.m. after cops said he fired multiple shots at them from behind a berm in the Iowa Hill area.

The confrontation came hours after tactical teams located him using infrared technology from a California Highway Patrol aircraft.

Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputies search the Iowa Hill area for an armed and dangerous suspect. Placer County Sheriff's Office

Derek Spencer is wanted by deputies in California for several felonies, including allegedly pointing a firearm at people. Placer County Sheriff’s Office

The deadly standoff followed the discovery of an adult woman who had been shot and killed inside a home where Spencer had reportedly been earlier. Investigators believe Spencer killed the woman before fleeing into the surrounding woods.

Authorities said he had been sought after allegedly pointing a firearm at people, ramming a sheriff’s vehicle and firing at law enforcement and a helicopter.

While searching for Spencer, deputies located him in the Iowa Hill area. KCRA