Lake Mathews property owner fatally shoots man in self-defense

LAKE MATHEWS (CA)— A property owner shot and killed a former resident in self-defense during an altercation in the unincorporated community of Lake Mathews, sheriff’s officials said Sunday.

It happened at 9:10 p.m. Thursday in the 21000 block of Harford Park Lane, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Sgt. Richard Carroll said the former resident physically threatened the property owner.

“During the confrontation, the property owner feared for their safety and their family’s safety and used a firearm against the assailant,” he said.

The former resident, Ned Cornish, 39, of Perris, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts from first responders.

Because the shooting appears to have been in self-defense, sheriff’s officials said no arrests have been made, though the investigation is ongoing.