A California man was arrested three times in less than two weeks and released after each incident before authorities said his alleged crime spree ended with the killing of 76-year-old Cheryl Macy and a fatal shootout with deputies. Prosecutors said they sought to keep Derek Spencer, 44, in custody after an alleged assault on a Sacramento County deputy, but he posted bail and was later released in two additional cases. Authorities said Spencer stole vehicles and guns, fired at a moving vehicle, pointed a gun at people and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement. He was killed early Monday in the rugged forest near Iowa Hill after allegedly opening fire on deputies and starting two fires during the standoff.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | A series of arrests and releases |
| 2) | The alleged escalation across three counties |
| 3) | The discovery of Cheryl Macy |
| 4) | The forest standoff and fatal shooting |
| 5) | Questions over California’s bail system |
A series of arrests and releases
The first arrest occurred Sept. 3 in Sacramento County. Deputies accused Spencer of felony vandalism, resisting arrest and assaulting a deputy with a deadly weapon. Prosecutors filed additional felony allegations Sept. 8, including assault with a deadly weapon likely to cause great bodily injury and using threats or violence to interfere with an officer’s duties.
Prosecutors requested that Spencer remain in custody, but the district attorney’s office said a judge set bail as required by law. Spencer posted bail and was released Sept. 11. He was arrested again Sept. 13 after officers responding to an alarm at a model home in Folsom allegedly found him leaving the property. He was released on his own recognizance the next day, prosecutors said. Two days later, deputies arrested him on suspicion of stealing a vehicle, and he posted bail before leaving custody Sept. 17.
The alleged escalation across three counties
Spencer was scheduled for a preliminary hearing in the deputy-assault case but failed to appear Sept. 18, leading a judge to issue a warrant. Authorities were still reviewing the burglary and vehicle-theft cases when investigators said the alleged offenses expanded into El Dorado and Placer counties.
Authorities said Spencer stole another vehicle and firearms and fired at a moving vehicle in El Dorado County on Sept. 19. The following day, Placer County deputies began searching for him after he allegedly pointed a gun at people. Deputies located him near Iowa Hill, but investigators said he rammed a patrol vehicle and escaped. Officials then warned residents to lock their doors and remain inside as the search intensified.
The discovery of Cheryl Macy
Tactical teams searching a home where Spencer had reportedly been seen found Cheryl Macy dead from gunshot wounds. Investigators believe Spencer killed her before fleeing into the surrounding forest, although authorities had not publicly identified any prior connection between the two.
Cheryl Macy worked for the Placer County District Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2020 and remained closely connected to the office. She was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. District Attorney Morgan Gire told county supervisors that the community was heartbroken and called for answers, transparency and accountability.
“The loss of Cheryl is devastating to our office and to the entire community. Our hearts are with her family, her friends, and everyone who knew and loved her.”
The forest standoff and fatal shooting
A California Highway Patrol aircraft using infrared equipment located Spencer shortly before 2:30 a.m. Monday in steep, heavily wooded terrain near Iowa Hill. Several tactical teams moved toward him in darkness. Authorities said Spencer opened fire when deputies approached, beginning a standoff.
Drone video allegedly showed Spencer starting two fires as law enforcement surrounded the area. At about 4 a.m., officials said he fired again from behind a berm, prompting deputies to return fire and fatally strike him. The flames threatened three tactical operators, who were removed by a Washoe County aviation crew using a specialized night-hoist capability during dark and low-visibility conditions.
Questions over California’s bail system
The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office said Spencer’s repeated releases exposed concerns about California’s bail laws and cited the state Supreme Court’s recent Kowalczyk decision. Prosecutors argued that the ruling has limited judges’ ability to detain repeat offenders before trial, even when they may pose a danger.
“While the District Attorney’s Office has and will continue to argue that dangerous and repeat offenders like Derek Spencer remain in custody, California must repeal the Kowalczyk decision and change the law to prioritize victims when addressing bail.”
The Placer County District Attorney’s Office said the releases raised serious questions about whether state law and recent court decisions give judges enough power to prevent similar tragedies. The shooting involving deputies, Macy’s death and the related investigations remain under review.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spencer was arrested three times between Sept. 3 and Sept. 16 and released after each arrest. |
| 2 | Authorities linked him to alleged vehicle theft, gunfire and threats across Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer counties. |
| 3 | Cheryl Macy was found fatally shot inside a home near Iowa Hill. |
| 4 | Spencer was killed after allegedly firing at deputies during a forest standoff. |
Summary
The case has combined a deadly shooting, a prolonged armed search and a fatal exchange of gunfire with renewed criticism of California’s bail system. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Macy’s death and the deputy-involved shooting, while prosecutors are demanding changes to how repeat and potentially dangerous defendants are detained before trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the alleged rampage?
Authorities identified the victim as Cheryl Macy, a former Placer County District Attorney’s Office employee who worked there from 2006 to 2020.
When was Derek Spencer killed?
Spencer was killed early Monday after deputies said he fired at them during a standoff near Iowa Hill in Placer County.
Why are prosecutors criticizing the bail system?
Prosecutors said Spencer was released after three arrests in less than two weeks and argued that state law and recent court decisions restricted judges’ ability to hold repeat offenders before trial.
What remains under investigation?
Authorities are continuing to investigate Macy’s killing, the alleged crimes preceding it and the circumstances of the deputy-involved shooting.
