Henry Heath Sentenced to 55 Years to Life for First-Degree Murder in Wheelchair Shooting

Henry Heath was sentenced Monday, September 21, 2026, to 55 years to life in state prison following his conviction for the first-degree murder of Derrick Walthall, who was shot multiple times while seated in his wheelchair on March 31, 2026. The Honorable Seth Hoyt presided over the jury trial and sentencing.

Stockton Police Department officers responded to the area of South Commerce Street shortly after midnight following reports of a shooting. Officers found Walthall, an amputee who used a wheelchair, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased.

Surveillance footage captured portions of the shooting and helped investigators identify the suspect vehicle and the shooter, initially known by the moniker “Trouble” and later identified as Heath. Using FLOCK technology, investigators tracked the vehicle to a North Stockton motel, where footage identified co-defendants Amanda Chapple and Brian Hansen. Investigators determined Hansen assisted Heath after the shooting by removing the suspect vehicle and firearm. Chapple provided her vehicle and assisted Heath in leaving the jurisdiction to avoid arrest.

On April 7, law enforcement located Heath and Chapple traveling toward Sacramento. With assistance from the Sacramento Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service, officers followed and stopped the vehicle. Chapple, who was driving, attempted to move the vehicle away from law enforcement before officers used a PIT maneuver. Heath was in the front passenger seat. Both were arrested and returned to San Joaquin County.

Heath and Chapple proceeded to jury trial beginning July 22, 2026, with the jury returning guilty verdicts on August 22.

Heath was convicted of First-Degree Murder (Penal Code § 187) and Personal and Intentional Use of a Firearm Causing Death (Penal Code § 12022.53(d)). He was sentenced to 55 years to life in state prison.

Chapple was convicted of Accessory to Murder (Penal Code § 32) and subsequently pleaded guilty to Theft by Fraud (Penal Code § 666) in an unrelated incident involving an attempted fraudulent return at Home Depot. She was sentenced to 5 years, 4 months in state prison, based on a prior strike for her role in the case.

Hansen previously pleaded guilty and was convicted of Accessory to Murder (Penal Code § 32) and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. He was sentenced to 5 years, 4 months in state prison, based on a prior strike for his role in the case.

 “Mr. Walthall’s family has endured an unimaginable loss,” said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. “The death or harm of a vulnerable person reflects the callousness of such a crime. This case demonstrates the importance of investigators and prosecutors working alongside our law enforcement partners to follow the evidence, identify those responsible, and hold them accountable for their roles. Our office will continue to prosecute those who target or harm vulnerable victims and seek justice on their behalf. Our thoughts remain with Mr. Walthall’s family.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Janet Smith, who is recognized for her work bringing the case to trial and securing convictions. The District Attorney’s Office also recognizes Stockton Police Department Detectives Ratzlaff and Clark for their extensive investigative work and collaboration throughout the case, along with the Sacramento Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in locating and apprehending Heath and Chapple.