A 14-year-old was fatally shot inside an Oroville home after what detectives describe as a gun being thrown and then going off, turning an already dangerous situation into a deadly one.
The shooting happened on the 3800 block of Burlington Avenue, where the teen was found with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was rushed to a local hospital and later pronounced dead. Detectives say the firearm discharged after it was thrown, and investigators later combed through the scene looking for evidence.
Oroville police have arrested 30-year-old Allan Bone Jr. along with a 14-year-old suspect. Detectives executed a search warrant at the home and recovered a handgun with its serial number removed. The adult was booked into Butte County Jail on a mix of felony and misdemeanor counts, including possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a firearm without a valid serial number. The juvenile was booked into Butte County Juvenile Hall on felony charges including manslaughter, negligent discharge of a firearm and altering or removing identifying information from a firearm, according to Action News Now.
Police are urging anyone with information about the case to contact the Oroville Police Department at (530) 538-2444, according to the Oroville Police Department. Officers also encouraged parents and guardians to talk with children about firearm safety, and said questions can be directed to the department’s investigations unit at the same number.
Ghost gun recovered
Investigators say the recovered handgun had its serial number removed, a type of weapon commonly referred to as a “ghost gun,” which makes tracing where it came from far more difficult. California’s Attorney General and Department of Justice have emphasized that possession or manufacture of unserialized firearms is illegal under recent state laws and have issued guidance to agencies on enforcement and reporting, as outlined by the California DOJ.
Charges and next steps
The adult suspect remains in custody at Butte County Jail and the juvenile is being held at Butte County Juvenile Hall while detectives continue their investigation. Prosecutors with the Butte County District Attorney’s Office will review the case before deciding whether to file formal charges, and no court dates were immediately released.
Anyone with tips is asked to call Oroville police or contact the department’s investigations unit. This story will be updated as officials release more information.
