Crime
Robert Johnson and Jacob Hull Identified as Victims in Fatal Butte County Library Shooting, Suspect Bradley Scott Sayer Faces Murder Charges
CHICO, Calif. — Authorities have identified the two men killed in Monday’s shooting at the Butte County Library in Chico as Robert Johnson, 74, of Orland, and Jacob Hull, 46, of Chico.
Officials also released new details regarding the rapid police response, the suspect’s alleged motives, and the ongoing investigation.
During a Tuesday press conference, Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge outlined the timeline of the incident and praised the swift actions of responding officers.
According to investigators, Johnson and Hull were fatally shot during the attack inside the library.
A young girl who was accompanying Hull was injured by shattered glass during the incident. She received medical treatment and has since been released from the hospital.
Authorities said one victim was shot near the entrance of the library, while the second victim was shot elsewhere inside the building.
Chief Aldridge said the first 911 call reporting the shooting was received at approximately 5:12 p.m. Dispatchers could reportedly hear screaming and gunfire in the background as callers sought help.
Police officers arrived at the library by 5:14 p.m., reaching the scene in less than two minutes. As officers entered through the front doors of the building, the suspect exited through the rear, where law enforcement had already established a perimeter.
The alleged gunman was taken into custody at approximately 5:16 p.m., just four minutes after the initial emergency call.
Officials described the response as exceptionally fast and credited the coordinated efforts of officers for preventing additional casualties.
Authorities identified the suspect as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, of Chico. He was booked into the Butte County Jail and is expected to face two counts of first-degree murder.
Prosecutors are also reviewing potential attempted murder charges related to the incident.
According to investigators, Sayer is believed to have acted alone.
Authorities stated there is currently no evidence that he knew any of the victims who were shot.
Officials said evidence collected during the investigation suggests the attack may have been inspired by the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.
Sid Patel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, said Sayer had recently graduated from Chico High School and divided his time between his parents’ homes.
Investigators determined that Sayer allegedly conducted a walkthrough of the library before returning to his vehicle to retrieve a shotgun used in the attack.
At the time of his arrest, authorities said he was wearing a white T-shirt with the phrase “natural selection” handwritten on it, an apparent reference to language associated with one of the Columbine shooters.
The shotgun used in the attack was recovered inside the library. Investigators also located two additional firearms inside the suspect’s vehicle.
Authorities reported that a total of eight rounds were fired during the shooting.
Investigators continue to examine surveillance footage, witness statements, digital evidence, and other materials to determine the complete sequence of events.
Officials confirmed that there was no dedicated security presence at the Butte County Library when the shooting occurred.
In response to the attack, county officials announced plans to deploy security personnel at all locations within the Butte County library system.
The Chico Police Department, working alongside federal and local law enforcement partners, continues to investigate the shooting.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Chico Police Department at 530-897-4911.
The case remains under active investigation as prosecutors prepare formal charges and investigators continue to examine the suspect’s actions, motives, and planning leading up to the deadly attack.
Crime
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.