KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
May 18, 2019
By Jennifer Miko
Brandon Scott Ellis of Katy, pled guilty to second-degree murder of Douglas Blasher of Ventura, CA and premeditated attempted murder for shooting Alexa Payne of Oxnard, CA, in Ventura in 2015.
Brandon Scott Ellis in a photo released by the Ventura Police Department on Dec. 18, 2015.
In California yesterday, Ventura County District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced in a press release that Brandon Scott Ellis of Katy, pled guilty to second-degree murder and premeditated attempted murder. The release said Ellis also admitted that he personally discharged a firearm in the commission of both crimes.
Crime of Passion
Ellis and Payne had been broken up for a month when he drove from Katy to Ventura. On December 17, 2015, Ellis, armed with a gun, entered the home of Payne’s new boyfriend. Instead of finding Payne’s boyfriend, Ellis encountered his father, Douglas Blasher. Ellis shot and killed the man and then shot Payne nine times before fleeing the scene.
Payne, 20 at the time, survived the shooting and called 911. According to police, she was found outside the home, suffering from gunshot wounds. Blasher was pronounced dead at the scene.
Payne was taken to Ventura County Medical Center and underwent surgery. Ventura police reported that Payne was shot through the throat and one bullet was actually lodged under her tongue.
Search for the Shooter
Ventura police announced a search for Ellis. Two days later, he was tracked down to a bar in Rosarito, Mexico. The FBI and U.S. Marshal Service assisted in Ellis’ arrest and extradition.
Ellis will be sentenced on June 17, 2019 in the Ventura County Superior Court. He will remain in custody without bail. Ellis is expected to be sentenced to 72 years to life in prison.