No charges yet for Shaun Gallon, suspect in 2004 Jenner double-slaying

Four months after authorities named a Forestville man as the lone suspect in the 2004 slayings of a Midwestern couple on a Jenner beach, Shaun Michael Gallon still has not been formally charged in that crime and remains in jail, awaiting trial in the unrelated slaying of his brother.

Gallon, 39, is scheduled to appear in a Santa Rosa courtroom today to set a preliminary hearing in the March shooting death of Shamus Gallon, 36, in the home they shared with their mother. Deputies believe the elder sibling shot his brother multiple times with an assault rifle.

But despite being identified in May by former Sheriff Steve Freitas as the person who likely killed Lindsay Cutshall, 22, and her fiance, Jason Allen, 26, as they slept on the sand at Fish Head Beach 13 years ago, the prosecution of that case is not yet expected to move forward, in part because the investigation is not yet complete.

Detectives still have not handed over to prosecutors their final report detailing the evidence against Gallon and recommending any homicide charges.

“The truth is that we have not received the completed investigation, so we are not in a position to make a filing decision at this time,” District Attorney Jill Ravitch said Thursday in a brief emailed statement.

Ravitch added that the investigation into the Jenner killings spanned many years and involved numerous detectives pursuing countless tips.

When investigative reports are submitted, she will review them to determine any appropriate charges, “just as we do with every case submitted to our office.”

“We do not have a time line for this process at this time,” Ravitch said.

A spokesman for Sheriff Robert Giordano, who was appointed in August in the wake of Freitas’ retirement, said detectives were working collaboratively with prosecutors.

“We’re under no time constraints,” Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

Gallon, who grew up along the Russian River and has a long criminal history, was on the list of possible suspects in the double-murder from early on.

The couple were found dead Aug. 18, 2004, in their separate sleeping bags, from gunshot wounds to their heads.

But detectives were unable to pinpoint the killer until shortly after Gallon was arrested and charged in his brother’s slaying.

While in jail, Gallon sent a note to detectives, offering to talk about Cutshall’s and Allen’s deaths. Freitas said he provided information only their killer would know, leading to the discovery of evidence that confirmed Gallon’s involvement.

Sheriff’s officials have so far declined to discuss whether Gallon confessed or what specific evidence has come to light.

Until Gallon is charged in the Jenner case, neither of his cases is expected to move forward. At his court appearance today, both sides are likely to request an additional 30-day postponement.

Gallon is being held without bail.