Off-duty Riverside County deputy charged with murder
A Riverside County sheriff’s deputy, who was off-duty when he allegedly shot a man inside a sports bar in Murrieta this week, has been charged with murder.
Dayle William Long, a 10-year department veteran, was arraigned Friday afternoon on one count of murder with a special allegation of discharging a firearm, according to the Riverside County district attorney’s office.
Long, 42, is being held at Riverside County’s Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta in lieu of $1-million bail.
On Wednesday, police responded to a report of a man with a gun at Spelly’s Pub & Grille. Officers said they found Long, who identified himself as an off-duty deputy.
Samuel Vanettes, 36, of Winchester, who had been shot multiple times, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Vanettes, a cashier at a gasoline station, arrived at the crowded bar for happy hour with his sister, her boyfriend and another friend, a family member said.
Long had been sitting alone and drinking, according to a Vanettes family member, who asked not to be identified. Vanettes introduced himself and they began playing darts, said the relative, who added that he received a firsthand account from the sister and boyfriend.
“They were getting along good,” he said. “When the cop started having more whiskey, he started getting belligerent.
“He lifted his shirt up and showed his gun. Sam was standing by the dartboard. He said, ‘You don’t want to do this; you’re a nice guy.’ And he shot him. That’s what I’m told.”
After a thorough review of the case, the district attorney’s office filed the murder charge against Long. If convicted, he could face a sentence of 50 years to life in state prison.
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