Man Killed at Ranch Identified

The man shot and killed Friday night in a bizarre chain of events that began with the fatal shooting of another man by sheriff’s deputies was identified Sunday as Don Deppe, a 50-year-old ex-convict from North Hollywood.

Coroner’s officials said Deppe died from gunshot wounds at the Lake View Terrace ranch of stuntman Gary Raymond McLarty, 49.

McLarty, actor Vic Morrow’s double in the film “Twilight Zone,” was being held at the Foothill Division jail without bail Sunday on suspicion on murder after telling authorities that he shot Deppe “in fear of his life.”

The district attorney’s office will decide early this week whether to file charges against McLarty.

Karen McLarty said her husband had befriended Deppe and offered him shelter several months ago. But the friendship quickly soured because of Deppe’s violent temper, she said, adding that her husband had moved out in fear after Deppe threatened him.

Deppe’s death ended a daylong ordeal that began at 7 a.m. Friday at a Little Tujunga Canyon house where McLarty formerly lived. Sheriff’s deputies went to the house to arrest Deppe on charges of sexual battery and forcible oral copulation. Deputies said they surrounded the house and another man, Edward Lynn Ralston, 42, charged them and began shooting.

Deputies shot and killed Ralston, a friend of Deppe’s who authorities said was an escaped convict. Authorities said Deppe then went looking for McLarty at the Lake View Terrace ranch.