On Monday, February 5, a routine trip to a Walmart in Highland, California, turned deadly for 59-year-old Jonathan Mauk, a dedicated father of three and grandfather of two. 

Mauk was fatally shot following a minor collision in the parking lot.

Mauk had gone to Walmart to gather ingredients for his family’s beef jerky recipe. While searching for a parking space, his 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Supersport, a vehicle he custom-built, accidentally bumped into another car as both drivers were maneuvering their vehicles. San Bernardino Police report that immediately after the collision, Mauk approached the other driver, 37-year-old Shawntece Marie Norton, to apologize. 

The situation escalated quickly from a verbal altercation to a physical tragedy when Norton retrieved a firearm from her vehicle and shot Mauk, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Authorities located Norton at an apartment complex less than 12 hours following the incident. During her arrest, police seized an unregistered firearm believed to be the weapon used in the shooting. Norton faces charges of murder with sentencing enhancements for using a firearm, discharging a firearm, and causing great bodily harm. She has entered a plea of not guilty and is being held in custody pending a pre-preliminary hearing.

The unexpected loss of Mauk has left his family in profound grief, reminiscing about his selfless nature and the joy he found in his role as a grandfather. Matthew Mauk, Jonathan’s son, shared memories of his father’s generosity and the loving words left behind in a letter discovered after his passing. This letter, intended for his family, highlighted Jonathan Mauk’s deep love for his grandchildren and his willingness to sacrifice for his loved ones.

In response to the incident, the community has come together to support the Mauk family, raising over $7,000 through a GoFundMe campaign initiated to cover funeral expenses.