Downtown shooting becomes murder

Chico police are continuing an investigation into the recent shooting at Fourth Street and Normal Avenue that turned into a homicide case last Wednesday (Jan. 26), when a 23-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries.

Lt. Mike O’Brien said this week that CPD suspects that man, Randy Mark Brass Jr., of Chico, was a participant in the gun battle in which a 19-year-old Hispanic man was also wounded. O’Brien said CPD believes Brass possessed the weapon that police found near his bloody footprints. Several rounds had been fired from the gun, which is undergoing further testing.

It’s unclear, he said, whether the second man was a shooter or who shot first. That victim, who has been released from Enloe Medical Center, is a documented gang member.

Brass was not a known gang member, but he did have extensive police contacts and some association with a gang, O’Brien said.

Sgt. Scott Franssen said witnesses have been uncooperative throughout the investigation. Anyone with info is asked to call the Police Department at 895-4900.