Gold Run, California – A man who committed an armed robbery at a church in Placer County in 2021 has been sentenced to 32 years in prison, according to prosecutors. John Waninger, 27, was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, attempted carjacking, criminal threats, and commercial burglary in relation to the incident that occurred on June 26, 2021.

The Placer County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to a report of an interrupted burglary that turned into a robbery at the Pioneer Union Church in Gold Run. Waninger had attempted to steal property from the church but was confronted by a caretaker. Waninger claimed to be homeless and in need of money, rejecting the caretaker’s offer for paid yard work. When the caretaker tried to photograph Waninger, he pulled out a loaded pistol and struck the caretaker on the head, causing the gun to discharge and a bullet to pass through the victim’s hat.

During his attempt to steal a vehicle from the property, Waninger threatened to kill the victim and another elderly person present. Prosecuting Senior Deputy District Attorney Shannon Quigley described the crime as particularly heinous, stating that Waninger responded to the caretaker’s compassion with violence and contempt. Despite being injured, the victim managed to escape, call for help, and provide a description of Waninger.

Following the incident, Waninger became the subject of a manhunt as he was already wanted for murder in San Bernardino County. The defendant was accused of killing 34-year-old Travis Payment of Victorville just days before the church robbery. Waninger was eventually apprehended after being spotted on I-80.

Now that Waninger has been sentenced for the Gold Run incident, he will face charges for the San Bernardino killing. The case serves as a reminder of the violence and criminal behavior that can occur within communities, emphasizing the importance of law enforcement efforts to ensure public safety.

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