A McKinleyville man accused of a 2022 shooting that left two dead and two wounded in Pine Hill pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges levied against him last month.

He faces a maximum of 148 years to life in prison for this conviction. He’ll be sentenced in July.

45-year-old Russell Martin Albers was convicted of murdering Jennifer Paddock, 42, and Daniel Garcia, 51, after agreeing to a plea deal he reached with prosecutors.

He pleaded guilty to second degree murder for Garcia, and first degree murder for Paddock, according to a conditional plea deal entered at an April 21 hearing.

The man arrived armed at a Pine Hill home on Dec. 27, 2022, where his former girlfriend was staying after leaving him. He shot four people at the home, two of whom survived.

Albers booking photo from 2022.

Paddock, the former girlfriend’s sister, died of a gunshot wound to the chest, and Garcia died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen. These two were partners with a then-four-year-old child, who was at the scene of the shooting.

The former girlfriend and another woman in the house were wounded by gunfire; Albers pleaded guilty to two counts of second degree attempted murder for these shootings.

He was also convicted of firearm enhancements for the charges.

In exchange, the People withdrew 10 charges and a spread of special allegations levied against him detailed in a lengthy complaint filed after police captured him, following a manhunt and high speed chase. This included a charge relating to kidnapping his former girlfriend after shooting her in the abdomen (he dropped her off at the hospital after making a couple stops).

According to court records, the maximum time of imprisonment is 148 years to life for the charges. His sentencing is scheduled July 16.

Under the plea deal, he waives his right to an appeal.

Reporting from the North Coast Journal shortly after his arrest found that, according to the Sheriff’s Office, Albers’ former girlfriend had decided to leave him and their abusive relationship. She had fled to a family member’s home; the victims were the woman’s sister and her sister’s boyfriend.

She testified in court he had become increasingly violent and unstable, according to reporting from the Times-Standard, and he arrived at the home  with aims to take her.

According to court minutes, the man previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity but withdrew this plea. He was held to answer for the charges back in Sept. 2023.

He remains on a no bail hold.

Humboldt Domestic Violence Services’ 24/7 support line can be reached by calling (707) 443-6042

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