SANTA CRUZ, CA – A man from California has been arrested in relation to a double murder, spotlighted when one of the victims named him in a social media post days before the bodies were discovered.
James David Collier, 66, was apprehended by California Highway Patrol detectives on Sunday following an investigation lasting several weeks. The case began on March 24 after Sean Pfeffer, 45, and Colter White, 54, were found dead in a pickup truck in the Santa Cruz Mountains, each having suffered gunshot wounds.
Authorities were guided to Collier after dissecting a Facebook post written by Pfeffer. On March 23, Pfeffer ominously posted about meeting Collier, referencing possible danger. He wrote, “If today doesn’t work out, know that it was James Collier,” and further expressed, “I’m rolling down there right now Jimmy, I hope you shoot me.” This would be Pfeffer’s final post before he and his friend were found deceased.
The Santa Clara Medical Examiner confirmed the causes of death: Pfeffer succumbed to a chest wound, while White sustained fatal injuries to the torso and limbs.
The pickup truck where the bodies were found became a crucial piece of evidence, leading detectives to label the case a double homicide. This discovery prompted a thorough investigation, with Collier soon emerging as a primary suspect.
A significant break came when the California Highway Patrol’s SWAT and Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team, along with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, executed a search warrant at Collier’s associated address on April 9, uncovering substantial evidence. This led to an official arrest warrant.
Reportedly, Collier allegedly admitted to the killings, according to court documents. He was apprehended without incident and taken to Santa Clara County Jail, where he is being held without the possibility of bail. Collier’s arraignment is set for Wednesday.
The case of Pfeffer and White’s murders continues to unfold as authorities piece together the events leading up to this tragic outcome, shedding light on the human elements behind these chilling updates emerging amid digital breadcrumbs.