On This Day: Steven Buchan Jr. Beating Death And The Hells Angels-Linked Clements Case
On May 1, 2022, Steven Buchan Jr. was fatally beaten outside a bar in Clements, California. The San Joaquin County case later drew major attention after authorities said two of the men connected to the case were members of the Stockton chapter of the Hells Angels.
The case ended in 2023 when Lloyd Strack, Aaron Davis, and Jason Blasingame pleaded guilty to manslaughter and each received a six-year prison sentence. But for Buchan’s family, the outcome left painful questions about justice and accountability.
What Happened To Steven Buchan Jr. In Clements?
Authorities said Steven Buchan Jr. was severely beaten outside a bar in Clements during the early morning hours of May 1, 2022. KCRA reported that Buchan, 45, was “left to die” outside the bar, while ABC10 identified the location as the Old Corner Saloon in Clements.
At the time, investigators said three men were believed to be involved: Lloyd Strack, Aaron Davis, and Jason Blasingame. ABC10 reported those were the three men investigators believed beat Buchan.
Suspects Identified In The San Joaquin County Case
The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office later said Davis and Strack were in custody, while Blasingame remained at large when authorities publicly asked for help locating him in November 2022. KCRA also reported that the sheriff’s release said Blasingame and Strack were both members of the Stockton chapter of the Hells Angels.
Because of the seriousness of the allegations, the case drew attention across the region. The death happened in rural Clements, a small San Joaquin County community east of Lodi, and the details described by investigators were especially disturbing to Buchan’s loved ones.
Court Outcome: 3 Men Sentenced
In 2023, the criminal case reached a major conclusion. KCRA reported that Aaron Davis, Jason Blasingame, and Lloyd Strack pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter/felony manslaughter. A spokesperson for San Joaquin Superior Court said the pleas were entered on October 12, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that all three men were later sentenced to six years in prison each.
That sentencing outcome upset Buchan’s family. KCRA reported that relatives questioned whether justice had truly been served and said the punishment did not feel proportionate to the violent nature of the case. One family member described the case as “senseless” and said Buchan was a father and “a really nice guy.”
Family Questions Whether Justice Was Served
Even after the convictions and sentences, the case did not bring full closure for Steven Buchan Jr.’s family. According to KCRA, relatives said they still wanted answers about how the investigation was handled and why the punishment ended at six years for each defendant.
For many readers, this case remains memorable not only because of the brutality described by investigators, but also because of the lasting pain felt by the victim’s loved ones. The public court outcome closed one chapter of the case. However, for the family, the emotional impact clearly remains.
Final Thoughts
The death of Steven Buchan Jr. remains one of the more troubling San Joaquin County homicide cases from 2022. Authorities said he was beaten outside a Clements bar and left dying at the scene. The case later ended with manslaughter pleas and six-year prison terms for three men: Lloyd Strack, Aaron Davis, and Jason Blasingame.
As always, if additional records, family statements, or court documents become public, the details in this case may be updated.
Quick Facts
- Victim: Steven Buchan Jr., 45
- Location: Outside the Old Corner Saloon in Clements, San Joaquin County
- Date of attack: Early hours of May 1, 2022
- Suspects identified by investigators: Lloyd Strack, Aaron Davis, Jason Blasingame
- Case outcome: All three pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2023
- Sentence: Six years in prison each
- Additional reported detail: Authorities said Strack and Blasingame were members of the Stockton chapter of the Hells Angels
What Is Confirmed
- Steven Buchan Jr. was 45 years old.
- He was severely beaten outside a bar in Clements in the early hours of May 1, 2022.
- ABC10 identified the location as the Old Corner Saloon.
- Investigators publicly identified Lloyd Strack, Aaron Davis, and Jason Blasingame in the case.
- All three later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received six-year prison sentences.
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