Crime
Family Seeks Support Following Tragic Loss of 30-Year-Old Laronda Gilmore
Cleveland, OH – The family of 30-year-old Laronda Gilmore is seeking community support following her tragic passing.
According to Daylan Smith, a family spokesperson, Laronda was found deceased on February 22, 2025, inside an abandoned home in the Cleveland area.
At this time, the cause of death remains undetermined, as an autopsy is currently underway.
“This devastating loss has placed an immense emotional and financial burden on our family,” Smith shared. “We want to give Laronda the proper farewell she deserves, but we are struggling with the unexpected costs.”
Described as someone with a kind and giving spirit, Laronda was known for her selflessness and willingness to help others, even when she had little to give.
However, she did not have life insurance, leaving her family to bear the financial challenges of her final arrangements.
The family is now asking for donations to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. “No contribution is too small or too big,” Smith expressed. “We appreciate any support during this heartbreaking time.”
Those willing to assist can make donations through the family’s designated fundraising platform or contact them directly for more information.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to those offering prayers, condolences, and support as they navigate this profound loss.
Crime
Chico Police Fatally Shoot Suspect Michael Oxley Following Weekend Attack on Local Barber George Ramirez III
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office and the Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team are actively investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Chico.
The incident took place at The Post, an off-campus student housing complex on Nord Avenue, where members of the Chico Police SWAT team engaged 43-year-old Michael Oxley, a suspect in a Friday night shooting.
According to District Attorney Mike Ramsey, the situation began Friday evening when Oxley allegedly shot 43-year-old George Ramirez III, a well-known downtown Chico barber, in the parking lot of the Chico Farmer’s Market on Flume Street.
Ramirez was sitting in his vehicle when an assailant approached from behind and fired multiple rounds through the closed driver’s side window, striking him in the head, neck, and shoulder.
He was transported to an out-of-area hospital, where he underwent extensive surgery and remains in critical condition.
Following an overnight investigation, Chico Police identified Oxley as the primary suspect. Authorities determined that he was staying at The Post as an Airbnb resident, not as a student.
A warrant for his arrest was obtained through the District Attorney’s Office and a local judge.
Officers attempted to take Oxley into custody around 6 p.m. on Saturday, but he barricaded himself inside his apartment, prompting a lockdown of the housing complex.
The situation escalated when Oxley fled to the parking structure, where SWAT officers contained him on a ramp between the fourth and fifth floors.
Authorities reported that Oxley was crouching with a pistol equipped with an extended magazine.
Despite two hours of negotiation urging him to surrender, Oxley stood up and opened fire at officers.
In response, six members of the Chico Police SWAT team returned fire, fatally wounding him. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 2.
The Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team launched an immediate investigation following the incident.
The six involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, per standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case, including the suspect’s motive and the sequence of events leading up to the fatal encounter.
Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.