Pocock Double Murder Case: From 2019 Shootings to 2025 Verdict

Life Sentence After Years of Legal Process for Double Murder Case

In the rural community of Grass Valley, California, a deadly confrontation on May 20, 2019, culminated in a high-profile double homicide case. Michael Francis Pocock, a 35-year-old resident, fatally shot two tenants, David Mark Dominguez and Rabecca Brieann Mershon, on the property they shared, claiming self-defense. 

After a prolonged legal process, a Nevada County jury in March 2022 found Pocock guilty of one count of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree murder, along with firearm enhancements and special circumstances. 

Years later, in early October 2025, Pocock was sentenced to life without parole plus 65 years to life. This case underscores the complexities of self-defense claims, the impact of interpersonal disputes, and the slow pace of justice in serious criminal cases. The Nevada County District Attorney’s office wrote on October 3, 2025, “Today, justice was finally brought to a close in the case of Michael Francis Pocock.” 

The Fatal Incident

“On May 20, 2019, Grass Valley Police responded to a report of shots fired,” the District Attorney’s office said, adding that officers found one adult male victim who had been shot multiple times near the front porch. A second victim, an adult female, was shot multiple times in the basement. According to the District Attorney’s office, “Evidence showed the defendant shot the male victim, using a 9mm handgun, and then pursued the female victim as she ran for shelter.”

David’s obituary, also mentioning Rabecca, read, “David was a kind soul with an adventurous spirit. He was an amazing chef who loved to cook for his people. He was a "Treasure Hunter" who could find treasure in the most unlikely places. He had a warm laugh that would fill up a room and his presence will be sorely missed. He along with his beautiful Fiancee Rabecca were taken from us way too soon on May 20, 2019.”

Charges, Trial, Sentencing

The Felony Complaint was filed on behalf of The People of the State of California on May 22, 2019 in the Nevada County Superior Court. In that document, District Attorney Clifford H. Newell accused the defendant of murder in violation of PC187(a) and as a violent felony within the meaning of Penal Code section 667.5(c). 

The complaint also explains that Pocock “personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, a handgun, which caused great bodily injury and death,” under Firearm Enhancement Penal Code section 12022.53(d). 

The special circumstances noted in this document refer to the allegation that offenses charged in both counts of murder are the special circumstance of “multiple murders” within the meaning of Penal Code section 190.2(a)(3). 

A GoFundMe page was set up for Pocock by Patty Pocock to pay for Mike’s living expenses. She wrote on the page, “Mike is a 41 year old man who in 2019 defended himself his dog and his property from being robbed by 2 methamphetamine addicts, at his home. Unfortunately both people were shot and succumbed to their injuries.” 

The page had a $5,000 fundraising goal and a total of $345 was raised. 

In the trial, Pocock’s defense centered on self-defense, asserting the victims posed an imminent threat. Prosecutors countered with forensic evidence, including ballistics and the staged weapon, to argue the killings were intentional and unjustified [Nevada County District Attorney’s Office]. After several days of deliberation, the jury convicted Pocock on March 22, 2022, of one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree murder, and all enhancements and special circumstances. 

Aftermath

On October 3, the District Attorney’s office shared, “While the verdict was reached more than three years ago, the two families of the victims have had to endure not only the devastating loss of their loved ones, but also a long and painful delay in reaching closure within the justice system. 

“Sentencing was significantly delayed due to the defendant obtaining new counsel, who filed additional motions, followed by the defendant’s decision to proceed pro se, both of which contributed to the extended timeline. This delay has only added to their trauma, and today’s sentencing represents the conclusion of a difficult and drawn-out process. We thank the jury for their service, the Court for its diligent adherence to justice and the Grass Valley Police Department for its thorough investigation.

“Our hope is that today’s sentence provides some measure of closure to the families. Our thoughts remain with them during this difficult time.”

The case has sparked debate, with Pocock’s supporters maintaining his innocence, arguing the victims’ alleged drug use and criminal intent justified his actions. “Justice was not served, you made an example of this man,” commented Jonelle Bigelow on the District Attorney’s Facebook post. She continued, “The whole thing, from investigation to sentencing was dirty!” The prosecution’s evidence and jury’s verdict underscored a deliberate act, not self-defense, highlighting California’s strict penalties for multiple murders with firearm enhancements. 

Others felt terrible for the family, who had to go through years without closure. Jennifer Milne wrote, “Three years from verdict to sentencing is NOT justice. That is emotional torture to the families all around. Nevada county shame on you DO BETTER!!!! To the jury, thank you. You did your job and the system failed you too.”