Man Found Guilty of Murdering Wife’s Lover by Jury

A Kern County jury has convicted Dashaun Hunter of second-degree murder following the 2021 shooting of his wife’s boyfriend, Reginald McCoy Jr. Despite being acquitted of first-degree murder, Hunter now faces a minimum of 15 years, potentially more, owing to enhancements filed in his case. Prosecutor Samantha Allen argued that Hunter learned of his wife’s affair with McCoy and confronted him at his residence. Over FaceTime, he fired seven rounds at McCoy, his wife witnessing the event. Evidence including his DNA on shell casings from the scene and cellphone records placing him near McCoy’s home at the time supported his conviction.

According to the testimony of prosecutor Allen, the convicted 36-year-old had gone to McCoy’s residence immediately after discovering his wife’s extramarital affair. An intense confrontation led Hunter to call his wife, and during their FaceTime conversation, he shot McCoy seven times. Allen’s arguments were backed up by decisive evidence, such as Hunter’s DNA found on the Bullet casings at the murder scene and cellphone data, which corroborated his presence near McCoy’s residence during the crime.

However, the defense attorney for Hunter, Tony Lidgett, insisted that the convicted man’s wife could be the perpetrator of the crime, and not Hunter. He explained that on the day of the fatal incident, the wife had rushed to a neighbor’s house seeking assistance, sporting a noticeable black eye, and being chased by McCoy. The defense suggested a scenario in which the wife could have later shot McCoy, fueled by rage, fear, or the need for self-defense.

Despite the defense attorney’s argument, the jury was unconvinced and ruled against Hunter. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled to take place next month. Reacting to the verdict, Lidgett expressed disappointment and hinted at the possibility of an appeal. He made references to cases where defendants were wrongfully convicted of violent crimes, only to later be exonerated. He also pointed out an exclusion of an important piece of evidence; a text from the victim indicating a threat to his life if he failed to raise $350.

In response to the defense attorney’s comments, the prosecutor, Samantha Allen, appreciated the jury’s hard work and expressed satisfaction in the verdict. She stated that their judgment is justified based on presented evidence and expressed relief that McCoy’s family could finally have closure. She also reassured that pre-trial rulings adhered strictly to the law, and justice had been rightfully served.