Two deaths, one suspicious

The California Highway Patrol’s local investigative unit is looking into the death of Maria Curtev, whose identity was released to the public last Friday (July 12), 10 days after her body was found in the Feather River in the Oroville Wildlife Area.

Curtev was reported missing in mid-June, according to the CHP, which is investigating in conjunction with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and has labeled the death as suspicious.

Meanwhile, following an inquiry from this newspaper last week regarding a body found on July 3 on East 20th Street, the Butte County Coroner’s Office on Wednesday (July 17) confirmed the death of Robert Johnson, 59, whom law enforcement believe was homeless. According to Chico Police Commander Mike Rodden, no foul play is suspected.