Murder Trial to Start Tuesday for Man Accused of Dumping Body Out of Dana Point Harbor

A murder trial is set to start Tuesday for a Virginia man who authorities say dumped his victim's body in the Pacific Ocean after sailing out of the Dana Point Harbor.

Gary A. Shawkey, 47, of Mechanicsville, VA, has been indicted on one felony count of special-circumstances murder for financial gain, one felony count of grand theft, and a sentencing enhancement in the alleged theft of more than $200,000 from his alleged victim.

Prosecutors allege that for nearly five years, Shawkey convinced a 71-year-old Pheonix man, Robert Vendrick, to put money into fake investments. When Vendrick became suspicious, authorities say, Shawkey persuaded him to wire $100,000 to a bank account in Shawkey's name for a new business venture and convinced Vendrick to fly to Orange County to meet with federal agents to finalize the project.

In February 2008, the two men arrived in Orange County. According to the district attorney's office, Shawkey purchased a 23-foot sailboat and convinced Vendrick  to sail with him to San Clemente Island to meet with federal agents. Shawkey and Vendrick got on the boat and sailed out of Dana Point Harbor. Vendrick was never seen again, authorities say.

Sometime between Feb. 14, 2008, and Feb. 24, 2008, prosecutors allege, Shawkey killed Vendrick and disposed of the body.

In February 2009, Shawkey was arrested in Virginia on unrelated theft charges. He was in custody in Virginia when charges were filed against him in Orange County in Vendrick's death that same month. The defendant was extradited to Orange County on March 26, 2009, to face those charges.

Opening arguments are expected to begin 9 a.m. Tuesday in Department C-30, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.