Thursday, March 20, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
El Dorado County District Attorney Sean O'Brien on Wednesday said Vernon Vernaza acted within the law when he shot and killed Tahoe Queen owner Joe Thiemann during a Feb. 26 confrontation at the youth's home.
"We believe Mr. Vernaza, given the situation that he faced, acted reasonably," O'Brien said.
Thiemann was shot after he barged into the home of Michael Ray Phillips, owner of the marina from which the Tahoe Queen was evicted.
Authorities said Thiemann entered Phillips' home and tried to shoot him but the weapon did not fire. Thiemann then allegedly began to pistol-whip Phillips when Vernaza retrieved a gun from the home and shot Thiemann in the chest.
Phillips is Vernaza's guardian.
The shooting occurred hours after the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency rejected a permit to allow the Tahoe Queen to operate from another marina.
During the hearing, Phillips and Thiemann exchanged heated accusations.
After the shooting, investigators found two loaded semiautomatic assault rifles, a loaded shotgun and nearly 100 rounds of ammunition in Thiemann's idling vehicle.
Many people, including authorities, believe Thiemann may have intended to kill others, possibly members of the TRPA, who were still meeting when the shooting took place.
Vernaza's attorney, David DeVore, said his client may have prevented further bloodshed and hailed the district attorney's decision.
"I don't think I've ever seen a case that more clearly called out for this type of decision," DeVore said.
"We have felt all along they were just the first in a long line of intended victims," DeVore said of Vernaza and Phillips.
DeVore added that Vernaza "probably saved South Lake Tahoe a virtual bloodbath that evening."
archive
