Joe McMahon: Gunman Shoots, Kills ‘Deadliest Catch’ Producer In Front Of His Home

Joe McMahon, a reality TV producer who worked on the set of the popular Discovery series Deadliest Catch, was shot dead on Friday morning in front of his house in Pasadena, California, according to a report from Variety.

According to CBS Los Angeles, Joe McMahon was associate producer of the documentary series for nine episodes in 2013. Deadliest Catch follows one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, the crab fisherman in Alaska. The show portrays the real life events aboard fishing vessels in the Bering Sea during the Alaskan king crab, snow crab, and bairdi crab fishing seasons, Wikipedia wrote.

Authorities were alerted to the crime after a person called saying he heard gunshots near McMahon’s home. When police arrived on the scene, Joe McMahon’s lifeless body was discovered on the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to an updated report from ABC 7, Joe McMahon had been shot multiple times, and his body was found just one driveway away from his home.

Regarding the shooting, Lt. Holly Francisco gave the following statement to reporters.

“We do know that he did leave the house right before the shooting. People heard gunshots and found the victim.”

At this time, the reasons behind the murder have not been determined, and an investigation is underway. Authorities do not believe, however, that the crime is drug-related, and there is no indication that McMahon was part of a criminal gang.

Police have identified the person responsible for McMahon’s murder, and the shooter is said to be 24-year-old Brandon Rafiepour. Authorities found Rafiepour dead in his car from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. It is unclear as to how the two men knew each other.

McMahon’s tragic death saddened those at Discovery, the network behind Deadliest Catch, and the company released the following statement regarding the incident.

“We are heartsick about this tragedy — our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and to all that knew and worked with him,” Discovery said in a statement.

This is a developing story and any further updates will be posted here as they are made available. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has reached out to the public and they are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact them at (323) 890-5500.

[Image via Scott Olson / Getty Images News]