Killing leads to drug ring

On Dec. 21, Butte County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Craig Access Road in a remote area of east Oroville, where they found 27-year-old Jacob McArthur (pictured), of Chico, dead from a gunshot wound.

During the investigation that followed, detectives determined that McArthur’s death likely was linked to illegal cannabis sales. According to a press release, they discovered a “large drug trafficking organization.” They served search warrants on 13 residences throughout Butte County and arrested six individuals on charges ranging from illegal cultivation and sales to child endangerment and possession of child pornography to illegal possession of firearms.

Law enforcement alleges that Shaina Burnett, 39, of Chico, is the head of the organization. They also arrested Dylan Rice, Morgan Karno and Monique Bird, of Chico; Christopher Mack, of Concow; and Gabriel Bacon, of Oroville.