Earlier this month, Yolo County Superior Court Judge Tom Dyer sentenced Jeffrey Lee, a 39-year-old resident of West Sacramento, to 30 years to life in prison.

According to a press release from the Yolo County District Attorney, the Oct. 4 sentence came after a Yolo County jury found Lee guilty of second-degree murder and allegations of use of a deadly weapon and a prior serious felony conviction to be true.

On April 5, 2022, West Sacramento Police Officers responded to a report of a male bleeding on the ground. The injured male was lying on the ground next to a white Ford motor home. He was later identified as Jack Knox, a 28-year-old resident of West Sacramento. Knox had suffered a stab wound to his heart. Life saving efforts were made, however, Knox was later pronounced dead by emergency room personnel.

After reviewing surveillance video from the surrounding businesses, officers identified Lee as a suspect. Lee was later contacted and taken into custody. Lee directed investigators to the location of the murder weapon, a short, bladed sword. Lee hid the weapon in some brush around his camp near the Sacramento River immediately after the murder.

The confrontation between the two men was related to concerns Lee had over Knox’s relationship with Lee’s ex-girlfriend.

At the sentencing, Dyer heard from Knox’s brother, who provided a victim impact statement, and reviewed information provided by both the prosecution and the defense related to Lee’s long history of mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, and poor performance on parole.

After weighing the circumstances of the murder and Lee’s prior history, Dyer found that the 30-year to life sentence was in the best interest of public safety.

“Mr. Lee’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the critical need to address chronic mental health and substance abuse in our community,” Yolo County DA Jeff Reisig stated. “While justice must be served, we must also acknowledge the underlying issues that contribute to such tragic events.”