An Oroville man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for stealing a firearm from a murder scene, according to Butte County District Attorney officials. The incident occurred in Oroville, a city in Butte County, California.
The defendant, whose name has not been disclosed in the initial report, was convicted of taking a gun from a location where a homicide had taken place, a crime that prosecutors argued demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law and public safety. The sentencing took place on June 11, 2026, in Butte County Superior Court.
During the trial, evidence showed that the defendant removed the weapon from the scene shortly after the murder, potentially compromising the investigation. The judge imposed the maximum sentence allowed under California's three-strikes law, citing the defendant's prior criminal record and the severity of the offense.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun theft and violent crime in the region. The district attorney's office emphasized that the sentence sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated.
The victim's family expressed relief that justice was served, though they continue to grieve their loss. The defendant will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years.