Police investigate burned body

Two Chico men are in custody for their alleged involvement with the murder of 21-year-old Chico resident José Barajas Sánchez.

On Thursday (Feb. 3), workers inspecting a bridge on Crouch Avenue (off Chico River Road) discovered the body, which apparently was placed under the bridge and then burned, said Sgt. Scott Franssen.

Antonio Montes Linares, 19, and Timothy Miles Nuñez, 18, were quickly identified as suspects, and warrants were issued for their arrests. They were located in Gilroy and arrested after a four-hour standoff that involved Gilroy/Morgan Hill’s SWAT team.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey will determine final charges against the men. Franssen confirmed that the incident is believed to be gang-related and noted that the victim had a history with Chico police.

Police are in the process of determining how, when and where Sánchez died. An autopsy is pending.