MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – A suspect being sought in connection with a double homicide in Trinity County was killed Monday night in a vehicle crash in Mendocino County.

The man, whose name was not released pending notifications of family, was killed in a crash that occurred at around 7 p.m. Monday, according to a report from Mendocino Sheriff's Capt. Kurt Smallcomb.

At 6:20 p.m. Monday the Mendocino County Sheriffs Office received an agency assist “be on the look out” bulletin from Trinity County Sheriffs Department regarding a double homicide, Smallcomb said.

He said that the Trinity County Sheriff's Office advised they had an outstanding suspect – who they alleged was responsible for a double fatal stabbing – flee Trinity County at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday and a possible route of travel would be Mina Road en route to Highway 162 through Covelo.

Smallcomb said the suspect vehicle was described as a teal-colored, small four-door sedan with Oregon license plates. The suspect was described as a white male adult with a beard.

Deputies left the Willits area en route to Covelo via Highway 162. Smallcomb said that at approximately 6:45 p.m. deputies were driving on Highway 162 towards Covelo when, at approximately mile post marker 10, they parked their car so they could see the roadway and anyone traveling along its path.

Soon after parking along the road, they observed the suspect pass them and continue driving west on Highway 162, according to Smallcomb.

Deputies attempted to make a vehicle stop but Smallcomb said the suspect failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies requested the assistance of Willits Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Smallcomb said deputies followed the suspect at speeds ranging from 60 to 90 miles per hour.

The suspect then turned south onto Highway 101 towards Willits, with a single sheriff's unit continuing the pursuit, Smallcomb said.

Smallcomb said that at approximately mile marker 54 near Appliance Lane, which is north of Willits, the suspect lost control of his vehicle and struck a large oak tree.

Deputies responded to the wrecked vehicle along with medical personnel and observed the suspect had succumbed to injuries received from the accident, he said.

The California Highway Patrol conducted the accident investigation and Trinity County is continuing their investigation into the suspect driver's involvement with the double homicide in their county, according to Smallcomb.

He said a forensic autopsy will be conducted on the decedent later in the week, and authorities are attempting to locate the decedent's next of kin prior to releasing his name.

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