Aaron Bassler Manhunt: New Surveillance Photo Shows Calif. Murder Suspect At Large

FORT BRAGG, Calif. (Associated Press) -- Authorities say surveillance cameras have captured an image of the fugitive suspected of killing a Northern California city councilman and a land trust manager.

Deputies have been searching a 400-square-mile area for weeks, and have installed 40 cameras to aid their search.

In the photo, Aaron Bassler appears to be holding a high-caliber rifle and vandalizing a cabin.

Bassler is suspected of fatally shooting 69-year-old Fort Bragg City Councilman Jere Melo on Aug. 27 and 45-year-old Mendocino Land Trust land manager Matthew Coleman, who was found dead on Aug. 11.

Authorities believe they are closing in on Bassler.

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Comments

[Josie728]

11:24 AM on 09/29/2011

I think he looks like he didn't get all the lipstick washed off his face for the mug shot.

[Kamen Gutierez]

02:34 PM on 09/28/2011

Hmmmm, where are all those RACE BATERS on ths story? Long opinion and Short Memory!

[Wendy Stewart]

01:02 PM on 09/28/2011

This will not end well for this guy. I feel bad for his family.

[Dan Legge]

12:07 PM on 09/28/2011

This wiil come to a violent conclusion.He has little to lose and he knows it's a matter of time.Hope they get him before he kills or hurts anyone else.

[rkeeeballs]

09:53 AM on 09/28/2011

why don't we sic "dog" the bounty hunter after him....The cop's are just going to shoot fist... dog will bring him in alive..!!...he does look special...don't he ??...awww chit just shoot him !!

[zevon]

09:10 AM on 09/28/2011

Did he shoot a squirrel and wear its tail as a hat?

[Johnny Jamrod]

08:28 AM on 09/28/2011

You better pray that you never run for anything because your timer might go off when you least expect it pal. And chances are that you will be wheeled away on the gurney WITHOUT a reward as well!

[stuad8]

08:34 AM on 09/28/2011

That politician is someones dad and family so why don't you tell them that! Maybe someone will have the opportunity to say something like about you one day!

[tccat4]

01:45 AM on 09/28/2011

This is the one about the man worried about his son, saying his son is mental. I bet they shoot first and worry about his mental illness later.

[mikiebagles]

11:46 PM on 09/27/2011

build a big toaster

[Denisehh3]

10:56 PM on 09/27/2011

I figure they will have to shoot him with a tranquilizer dart........to bring him in alive and not endanger anyone tracking him.......onsidering he's armed and extremely dangerous........

[Cat Magic]

07:05 AM on 09/28/2011

I doubt they'll make that effort...I doubt he'll be alive, looks like he doesn't want to be taken alive either.

[momonono1111]

10:22 PM on 09/27/2011

The US is getting very dangerous. We are seeing moving criminal gangs in IN. and IL. Like a pack of ferocious dogs up to no good.

[Tmboy]

09:48 AM on 09/28/2011

Um are you saying that gangs are new to you?

[Cpt Gary]

11:44 AM on 09/28/2011

no gangs in sw washington in the 60's.....now have black, white, mexican and ilwu

[cgert88888]

10:01 PM on 09/27/2011

Ah, HUFPO, you had me going there for a minute. Another "not quite right" headline. The camera didn't actually capture the guy, it actually captured his picture. The guy is still on the loose. However, his picture is in lock-up.

[evelynranma52]

09:54 PM on 09/27/2011

Shoot him on sight and stop wasting tax payer's money on the likes of his kind.

[greora2]

09:12 PM on 09/27/2011

Sounds like the NRA is posting today..

[eaglespark]

11:43 PM on 09/27/2011

Sounds like some people who know something about firearms and ammunition are posting today...

"In the photo, Aaron Bassler appears to be holding a high-caliber rifle"

Uh-huh... ;>)

[andysrsm]

09:41 AM on 09/28/2011

And is there a problem with that?

[memecella]

09:05 PM on 09/27/2011

Looks like he pooped his pants!