SANTA CLARITA / ANTELOPE VALLEY : Neighbor Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Llano Teen-Ager

A feuding neighbor was arrested Saturday in connection with the death of a 14-year-old boy, who was shot in the head soon after he heard the sound of gunfire, went to check on some pets, and then went outside because he recognized the alleged gunman.

Patrice Bucknor, 25, was being held without bail for the fatal shooting Friday of Paul Alsup, authorities said.

Sheriff’s deputies said Bucknor has been engaged in a longstanding feud with one of his neighbors in this remote part of the Antelope Valley east of Palmdale, and was shooting at the neighbor’s cars while the owner was out of town Friday.

Paul, who lived nearby, had been caring for the absent neighbor’s dogs and cats and immediately went to check on the animals after he heard gunfire about 6 p.m., deputies said. He phoned authorities after hearing a second round of shooting, and sheriff’s deputies advised him to remain inside his neighbor’s home, deputies said.

But then the youth looked outside and noticed Bucknor, recognized him, and “felt comfortable enough” to go out, said Deputy Angie McLaughlin. “The suspect turned on him,” McLaughlin said, shooting the teen-ager in the back of the head as the youth tried to flee.

While deputies were on their way to the scene to investigate, a passing motorist phoned to report that Paul was lying in the driveway, deputies said.

Deputies took Bucknor into custody at his home about 11:30 a.m. Saturday. He is being held at the Antelope Valley Sheriff’s station, McLaughlin said.