Crime
56-year-old Glenn Litton identified as suspect who shot 2 students at Feather River School of Seventh Day Adventists in Palermo
Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for injuring two young children during a shooting at a small private school in Oroville, California, on Wednesday. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) confirmed that the suspect, 56-year-old Glenn Litton, was found deceased on the school grounds from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The victims, two kindergarten boys aged five and six, are in critical but stable condition as they continue to receive care at a regional hospital. Sheriff Kory Honea provided updates on their conditions during a press briefing Thursday afternoon.
The six-year-old, identified as Roman Mendez, sustained two gunshot wounds, resulting in significant internal injuries. The five-year-old victim, Elias Wolford, was struck once in the abdomen, also causing severe internal damage.
“These children have a long road to recovery,” said Sheriff Honea. “The fact that they are still with us is a miracle and something we should all be thankful for. We must keep the victims at the forefront of our minds as this investigation unfolds—they are the ones who matter most in this tragic event.”
The BCSO stated that investigators are working to determine a motive for the attack. Sheriff Honea revealed that Litton had an extensive criminal history and was known to struggle with mental health issues. He was described as being homeless, primarily moving between the Chico and Sacramento areas.
Litton’s attack on the Feather River Adventist School, which has fewer than three dozen students, sent shockwaves through the community. The incident occurred on campus during school hours, leaving parents, students, and staff traumatized.
Following the shooting, law enforcement swiftly secured the area, and students were evacuated to a nearby church for reunification with their families. The community is now rallying to support the victims and their families as they face a long and difficult recovery.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to focus on supporting the affected families during this time of immense sorrow.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.