Two homicides launch 2018

Butte County law enforcement started the new year with two separate homicide investigations.

On Jan. 4, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a suspicious death off Black Bear Road in Berry Creek. The victim was identified as 69-year-old William Chrisman. An investigation is ongoing.

The same day, Oroville police responded to the 2700 block of Fort Wayne Street after a 911 caller reported a shooting. According to the OPD, Julius Ruff suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

Later, officers discovered another person, Christy Seim, had been injured in the shooting. The same shot that killed Ruff grazed her head. She was treated and released into police custody for further questioning. Joshua Sealy (pictured) was named as the suspected shooter.

Four days later, Sealy was arrested in the parking lot of Lakeside Market & Gas. According to OPD, all three parties knew each other.