December 4, 2011, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 3000 block of Deer Canyon Rd. in Placerville for a reported shooting.  Deputies arrived on scene and located a male subject in his late 60’s lying on the floor inside the residence.  It appeared the victim had a gun shot wound to his head but still alive.  Deputies transported the victim to the medics who had staged away from the residence due to the fact the suspect had not been located and was believed to be in the immediate area.  Medics transported the victim to Marshall Hospital for treatment but the victim later died at the hospital due to his injuries. 

Deputies then began searching for the suspect on the property, which had multiple trailers and outbuildings.  The reporting party had told deputies that the suspect had possibly shot himself. While searching a trailer the suspect walked up to the deputies and surrendered.  The suspect had an injury to his head and was transported to Marshall Hospital for treatment. 

The preliminary investigation suggests that the victim and suspect live together on the property and the two have had and ongoing disagreement, which led to today’s shooting incident.  The suspect has been identified as the step son of the victim.

The victim has been identified as John Gale Malia Jr., 69 years.  The next of kin has been notified.

The suspect identity is being with held until booked into county jail.