Hopefully they catch this guy - but it sounds like he wants to commit suicide by leo.

[geckosfeet]

Fugitive murder suspect eludes capture in California

This whole tragic story probably begins during this guys early years, with a lack of proper mental health care. Probably poor to nonexistent follow up after his initial incarceration, and a long list social safety net deficiencies will cost this guy and probably several other people their lives.

The taxpayers will have to fund the resources required to track him down. I would much rather pay for childhood education and health care.

[RSillsbee]

1. Can't get the link to open NT

[MicaelS]

2. Story from MSNBC

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44736448#.TodDKrJPZBk

OAKLAND, Calif — An opium-growing recluse wanted in connection with two murders exchanged gunfire with police in northern California but slipped back away into dense woods where he has hidden out for five weeks, authorities said on Friday.

No one was hurt in Thursday's shootout with Aaron Bassler, 35, near the town of Northspur, located about 150 miles north of San Francisco in the rugged coastal mountains of Mendocino County, said sheriff's department Captain Kurt Smallcomb.

But Bassler, described by his father as mentally ill and living like a virtual hermit, managed to avoid capture again in what was his closest brush with arrest since he went on the run last month.

"We are focused on the Northspur area," Smallcomb told Reuters. He said Bassler had been breaking into cabins in the area, and was photographed holding a rifle by a surveillance camera at one of them.

[alp227]

3. update: the suspect has been shot dead

Man wanted in councilman's slaying fatally shot

[geckosfeet]

4. Thanks for the update. This was linked to in the piece you posted as well.

A little more detail on the local impact.
Authorities shoot, kill Fort Bragg slaying suspect Aaron Bassler

Seems he broke into a service station and among other things stole some ammunition. A good reason to store ammunition as well as guns in a locked safe.

Incidents like this haunt me. What drives someone to completely remove themselves from society, and and lash out at people with such violence.