LANCASTER – Family members are holding a memorial service this Sunday to celebrate the life of Stephen Finson, the Lancaster man shot to death recently while out for a desert ride on his all-terrain vehicle.
The event starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9 at a private residence, located at 7361 East Avenue H in Lancaster. The service is open to the public.
“We would like to have as many people here at the service as possible… to show how much he was a loved person in this community,” stated Stephen’s daughter, Rachelle Finson.
During the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 23, Finson went for a ride on his all-terrain cycle, but failed to return home. Worried family members reported Finson missing, and authorities combed the desert for the 47-year-old.
Finson was found shot to death near his vehicle around 8:58 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24 in the 13300 block of East Avenue H in Lancaster.
Homicide detectives are still investigating the mystery surrounding Finson’s death, and no suspects were in custody as of Tuesday.
“As his daughter, all I want is closure, and we won’t have that until we know they have the right person in custody,” stated Rachelle Finson.
Stephen L. Finson’s obituary*
Steve is survived by his father, Murray Finson; wife, Kimberley; son, Devin; daughter, Rachelle and her fiancé, Christopher Twomey; sister, Wendee; half-sister, Donna Futrell; niece, Amber; nephew, Andrew; sister-in-law, Erica Aberle; niece, Keisha; and many, many well-loved friends. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Tamara, and brother, Jon Finson.
Steve was a devoted company man and certified arborist for 20 years. He also served in the Navy for four years. Steve enjoyed Dodgers baseball and Vin Scully. In fact, baseball was his life, from watching his kids play little league, to coaching, to watching his son play college ball.
He adored his wife and family; and he enjoyed spending time talking with friends, riding his ATC and watching the sunset.
*Obituary information provided by Rachelle Finson.
–
UPDATED 4/16/14: The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is offering a $10,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for Finson’s murder. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact homicide investigators Q. Rodriguez and Robert Martindale at 323-890-5500.
Previous related story: Missing man found shot to death
–
Gag says
If everyone and I mean everyone owned a gun people would think twice about pulling one on someone….. Just saying..
Gag says
If everyone and I mean everyone owned a gun people would think twice about pulling one on someone….. Just saying..
And my heart goes out to his family may they stay strong…
SoSoSad says
This is such a sad situation. I feel that he possibly came upon something he shouldn’t have seen. So So sad. Love and prayers to the family.
Linda says
May God Bless your family in this time of loss.
yabbadabba says
This is frightening. I used to take my dog for a walk out in desert fields; always accompanied by my elder son. Last year 2 young teens to their pit-bull dogs to bite me….I fought them off and screamed for my son and dog. My dog (Rhodesian Ridgeback) came running and killed the one pit-bull that had bitten me on the back of my leg. My son came running and tried to tear dog’s apart; he got bitten on the left hand (he’s a leftie), and got medical attention. The 2 teens wouldn’t even call their dogs off, and started to hit my dog with a stick….I yelled don’t hit my dog. Once their dog died, the 2 teens started to threaten us, “We’re coming back with out gun and gonna shoot you and your dog.” I was terrified, we ran towards home; the 2 teens returned, but started running the sheriff and ambulance showed up. I called 911. I went back around the area looking for the teens as they were responsible since to commanded their dogs to bite me. I made a report to Animal Control and never heard back. So my son was taken to the ER via ambulance . The sheriff made me walk home with my injured dog, “We can’t give you a ride cause the squad car will get dirty.” I was so scared as I walked and my neighbor saw me walking … I made it home and took my dog to the vet as he was injured. My dog saved my life.
After reading about Stephen Finson; I remembered how frightened I was. May he Rest In Peace.
James says
This is terrible. I’ve used The AV desert for the better part of 27 years, and more specifically, the desert off Ave H for about 6 years now, for cross-country mountain biking. Although I’ve come across many homeless encampments “hidden” out in the desert, I’ve never had any conflicts with anyone, or felt that I was in any danger. This will always be in the back of my mind whenever I get on my bike. I don’t think I will ever feel competely safe again out there. Now I have to wonder, am I putting myself in danger ever time I go riding? Do I need to arm myself just to go out and enjoy nature?This is very troubling. My heart goes out to this man’s family and friends. My prayers are with you.
yabbadabba says
I agree with you that is is terrible. I do not walk out where we used to, and it was so close to home and convenient. Nowadays, we do not know who/whom may be armed. I’ve been working on getting rid of the fear because I must walk for health reasons (doctor orders). I’ve wondered about arming myself, but so unsure still.