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.
On the evening of January 17, 2025, Iron County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire targeting a vehicle.
Upon arrival at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West, law enforcement and Gold Cross Ambulance found a 17-year-old female driver critically injured inside her vehicle.
Deputies began life-saving efforts immediately while paramedics prepared for her transport to Cedar City Hospital.
Despite their combined efforts, the young victim tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Crime scene experts and investigators from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office quickly arrived to process the scene.
Early findings suggest the victim’s vehicle was being pursued by an unknown vehicle for several miles before the incident.
The suspect pulled alongside the victim’s car and fired multiple gunshots, striking the driver. This caused the victim to lose control of her vehicle, which left the roadway, crashing through a vinyl fence before coming to rest approximately 100 feet northwest of the intersection.
The Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information from the public to aid in the investigation.
Between 10:15 PM and 11:00 PM, investigators believe a small red pickup truck was being followed closely by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway near 1600 North and Midvalley Road or heading west on Midvalley Road toward the Three Peaks Campground area.
Witness accounts or surveillance footage of this activity could provide critical leads.
Additionally, residents or business owners along Lund Highway or Midvalley Road with surveillance camera footage from that time frame are encouraged to contact authorities.
If you have any information regarding this incident or footage, please contact the following numbers:
- Iron County Sheriff’s Office: 435-867-7500
- Cedar Dispatch (Non-Emergency): 435-586-9445
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time. We also express our sincere gratitude to the Cedar City Police Department, Enoch City Police, the Department of Public Safety, Cedar City Fire Department, and the dedicated personnel of Gold Cross Ambulance for their quick response and assistance.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring public safety and pursuing justice for the victim. We ask for the community’s assistance in bringing the perpetrator to justice.