A Cottonwood man who murdered his ex-wife and her father 2 years ago will spend the rest of his life in prison. The shooting happened in July of 2015 at a small grocery store in the gated community of Lake California on the Tehama County side of Cottonwood. 34-year-old John Noonkester used a Deer Rifle to kill 29-year-old Kimberlee Anne Thomas and her father, 53-year-old Keith Vernon Thomas. Another victim, 25-year-old Anthony Baugher, was just an innocent passerby. He had run away from the trouble and was shot in the back. The bullet went straight through without hitting anything vital. Noonkester’s getaway was stopped by a man who blocked his exit with another pickup. Noonkester’s jury trial concluded October 16th with verdicts of guilty on all counts, including special allegations and enhancements. Noonkester had repeated outbursts during the trial, and during Thursdays’ sentencing, saying he was concerned for the safety of his children. He’s been given two life prison terms without the possibility of parole.