July 17, 2023 - San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office officials report on Sunday at approximately 9:23 PM, the Sheriff's Office received a call that a stabbing had just occurred. The adult male caller reported that he and his wife had been stabbed multiple times in the 200 Block of South Second Street in Shandon.

Sheriff's Deputies began an emergency response to the location. With support from witnesses, Cal Fire and medics, both victims were taken to safety and medical aide was rendered. The female was pronounced deceased on scene. The male victim was airlifted to a local hospital with life threatening injuries, however is currently in stable condition.

Through an investigation the suspect was identified as 31-year-old Justin Buchanan of Shandon, a family member of the two victims.

Sheriff's Deputies and Detectives formed a perimeter of the residence and nearby area and a Sheriff's Office drone was deployed. Additional assistance was provided by the California Highway Patrol including air support from their helicopter, H-70.

A reverse 911 was sent out for residents in the area to shelter in place. Sheriff's Deputies remained on-scene, actively searching for Buchanan. Shortly after 3:00 AM Justin Buchanan was located and arrested without incident. He is being held at the San Luis Obispo County Jail on a no-bail warrant for homicide. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no further public safety threat.


Justin Buchanan
Source & photo: San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office