Murder: Citrus Heights man sentenced to 50 years to life

Updated April 8, 6:53 p.m.–
Luther Devon Frazier was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison Friday, after being convicted by a jury last month for the murder of 22-year-old Shaun Blechinger near the 6500 block of Greenback Lane in 2015.

Frazier, a Citrus Heights resident, was initially scheduled for sentencing on April 6, but that date was delayed until April 8.

According to court documents and a Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office news release, Frazier pled “not guilty” to the murder charge, but a jury found him guilty of first-degree murder on March 10, just over a year after the March 6, 2015 shooting occurred.

Authorities said Frazier had purchased heroin from Blechinger over several months, eventually allowing use of his car in exchange for the drug. After Blechinger wrecked Frazier’s car and refused to pay for damages, Frazier then sought to collect the money, bringing along a gun he stole from his father.

The two met in an alley near the 6500 block of Greenback Lane, where they “exchanged words,” the DA’s Office said. While Blechinger was walking back to his apartment, Frazier shot him six times, killing him.

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Blechinger’s murder was one of three separate homicides in Citrus Heights during a particularly bloody month of March last year.

[From 2015: Police make arrest in 3rd Citrus Heights homicide in March]

According to court records, Frazier was still on probation for a prior felony domestic violence incident when he shot and killed Blechinger.

Frazier’s case was prosecuted by Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Kevin Greene. He was sentenced by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Helena Gweon.