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Mendocino Shooting Suspect May Be Connected To Jenner Beach Murders

FORT BRAGG (KCBS) – Authorities continue to search for the man suspected of gunning down two prominent Mendocino County men late last month. Now, that suspect, Aaron Bassler, is being looked at in connection to a disturbing double murder on a Jenner Beach seven years ago.

In 2004, the murders shocked the Bay Area, a young engaged couple, on a break from working at a Christian camp were shot in the head in their sleeping bags on a Jenner Beach. There was no sign of struggle or robbery. The case has been cold since.

KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:

Now the Mendocino Sheriffs Department says it is looking at the possibility that Aaron Bassler, wanted in last month's shooting deaths of two men, including a popular city councilman, may have had a connection.

No concrete evidence links him to the Jenner case except for the fact that they both took place in remote areas in Northern California, but his father James suspects Bassler may have killed before.

"I knew he shouldn't have firearms myself, and law enforcement I'm sure felt uncomfortable with it because they'd had some encounters with him and weapons," said Bassler.

Armed and camouflaged, Bassler is believed to be hiding in the forest surrounding Fort Bragg.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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