Passerby Kills Woman’s Assailant

A Palmdale man who was pistol-whipping his girlfriend outside an apartment building was shot and killed by an unidentified passerby who came to the woman’s aid, authorities said Sunday.

Bruce Kenneth Wilson, 20, of Palmdale was pronounced dead at an Antelope Valley hospital after the incident, which occurred in the 3800 block of 10th Street about 11:40 p.m. Saturday, Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Jones said.

The dead man’s girlfriend, Dolly Garland-Smith, 24, also of Palmdale was treated for her injuries at a local hospital and released, Jones said.

“According to investigators, Wilson was in the process of pistol-whipping his girlfriend when an unidentified person came to her aid and shot Wilson in her defense,” Jones said. “Sheriff’s detectives say the shooting is apparently justifiable and would like to classify it as an excusable homicide.”

Jones said investigators need the public’s help in locating the man, whom they called a “good Samaritan.”