A U.S. Navy sailor and her boyfriend are accused of fatally shooting a homeless man she had taken in, according to prosecutors. The alleged crime occurred Monday inside the couple's home in a military housing complex in Ramona, California, a San Diego County suburb.
Ryan Wesley Proffitt, 27, faces two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his girlfriend, Courtney Chandler, 28, and Nicholas McClure, 27. Prosecutors with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office stated that Proffitt allegedly shot both individuals after becoming consumed by jealousy over Chandler's relationship with McClure. Proffitt had reportedly agreed to an open relationship with Chandler.
Chandler, who was described as homeless, had been living in the couple's home for approximately a week and a half before the killings. According to authorities, Proffitt planned the murders, loading a firearm and concealing it before confronting Chandler and McClure about their relationship. Prosecutors indicated that Chandler may have been aware Proffitt was armed, citing a text message she sent to a friend about it.
During the confrontation, McClure allegedly advanced toward Proffitt, who then fired at him three times. Proffitt then turned the weapon on Chandler. Following the alleged shootings, Proffitt called 911, reportedly stating he had been involved in a "lovers quarrel." Upon arrival, police found Proffitt sitting on the steps of the military complex consuming a beer.
Proffitt pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday and is being held without bail. He is accused of murdering Chandler, a Navy sailor, and McClure, who had moved to California from Kentucky to pursue automotive classes.
Chandler, who would have turned 29 on July 24, was remembered by her family as someone who loved fishing, the outdoors, hunting, the military, and anime. Her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to honor her memory.