Shasta County Man Accused Of Deadly Ax Attack

MOUNTAIN GATE (AP) — Authorities say a Shasta County man who apparently became upset when he thought someone was stealing his medication went on a violent rampage, killing two innocent people.

Thirty-five-year-old Thomas McDonald is being without bail after Tuesday's attacks.

Sheriff's Det. Sgt. Steve Grashoff says a fight broke out at a home in the town of Mountain Gate, as McDonald's roommate tried to calm him down. McDonald allegedly stabbed the roommate and another man in the face with a fork.

Grashoff says McDonald then left the home and used an ax to attack two men nearby. One was 84-year-old Ralph Torberg, a neighbor who was working in his yard, and the other was 54-year-old Karl Bradshaw, who was sitting in his truck nearby.

Police say McDonald has a history of theft, assault and drug convictions.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.)