Details about the suspect in the murder of two southern Inyo women near San Luis Obispo have revealed the possibility of mental issues. Atascadero Police had arrested Andrew Wesley
Downs, 20, on suspicion of murder in the shooting death of Beverly Reilly of Lone Pine and her sister Kathy Yeager of Independence.
News sources reported that according to San Luis Obispo Superior Court records, the 20-year-old Downs had earlier been accused of car theft and trespass. Records said the court ordered a mental evaluation and that Downs pled no contest to trespass in that case. He was placed on probation and released to the custody of his parents in March.
Police say that Downs shot and killed Reilly and Yeager on Christmas day as they walked into the home of Reilly’s daughter and son-in-law in Santa Margarita. There was no apparent motive for the killings.
The two sisters both celebrated their birthdays in the week before Christmas. They and other family members had apparently gathered in Santa Margarita to celebrate those birthdays and Christmas.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Sierra community remains deeply affected by the sudden and tragic deaths of our two citizens. A local fund has been set up for those who wish to contribute to ease the burden left on the families of Bev Reilly and Kathy Yeager. Friends ask that you make your contributions to the Reilly/ Yeager Memorial Fund at Eldorado Savings Bank.
