2023 Mahany Park Shooting Suspect Eric Abril Pleads Guilty to 1st Degree Murder
ROSEVILLE, CA — “The Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced that 38-year-old Eric James Abril appeared in court March 4, where he entered guilty pleas to first-degree murder.
Abril also admitted to the special circumstance that the murder was committed in the commission of a kidnapping.
Additionally, he pled guilty to the attempted murder of a peace officer and kidnapping.
The defendant also admitted allegations and factors in aggravation as they relate to these charges. It is expected that Abril will be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for the murder plus additional prison time for the other charges.
These charges stem from the kidnapping and shooting incident that took place at a Roseville park in April of 2023.
Abril was a “wanted fugitive,” who escaped custody while receiving medical attention at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. He had sustained injuries after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement in early April, which reportedly also resulted in the death of an elderly man Abril had taken hostage.
The initial incident took place on April 6, 2023 at Mahaney Park in Roseville when a CHP task force officer who was investigating Abril in relation to an earlier Freeway shooting, broadcast a “shots “fired” call over the police radio. Roseville PD officers were dispatched to assist, and Abril exchanged gunfire with officers, and reportedly took an elderly couple hostage.
One of the hostages, 72-year-old James MacEgan, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His wife, Patricia, remained hospitalized in critical condition. The CHP officer sustained minimal injuries and was reportedly discharged the next morning.
Sentencing will be held at 4 p.m. Marcy 20 in Department 20 of Placer County Superior Court.”
