Bee reporters answer questions about area crime news, trends and other issues.
QUESTION: What was the story on Jasmine Street in Del Paso Heights a few years ago when Donald T. Wright shot and killed his neighbor next door. How much time did he receive and what prison is he in?
Submitted by: Tina, Sacramento
ANSWER: Donald Thomas Wright was convicted of second-degree murder in the November 1999 shooting death of Edward Castro Sanchez.
According to stories in The Bee, Sanchez and his family had been watching videos when Wright came to the door about midnight, complaining that he had been locked out of his home. Sanchez made an unsuccessful attempt to find a locksmith and when he asked Wright to leave, Wright shot him in front of his wife and children.
Wright's lawyer sought to prove that Wright suffered from "amphetamine induced psychotic disorder," and that because of his drug use and mental illness, he was not fully responsible for his actions when he shot Sanchez.
The jury concluded, however, that Wright committed the crime solely because he was on drugs and not because he was mentally ill.
According to Sacramento Superior Court online records, Wright was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Now, 67 years old, he is High Desert State Prison in Susanville.









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