BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) provided details about a murder investigation that began on December 21, 2019. On December 21, Deputies responded to a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound at a residence located in the 700 block of Craig Access Road, Oroville. The male was later identified as Jacob McArthur, age 27. Upon arrival, Deputies determined the male was deceased. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and began conducting follow-up.

During a follow-up investigation, Detectives suspected the murder was directly related to the illegal sales of marijuana. Detectives identified a large drug trafficking organization, and at this point believe an individual or individuals participating in the drug trafficking organization were responsible for the murder. Over the past two weeks Detectives have served search warrants at 13 residences in Butte County. Shaina Burnette of Chico, age 39 was determined to be the leader of the drug trafficking organization. During the service of one of the search warrants in Concow, electronic devices were located. While processing evidence, child pornography was located on one of the devices belonging to Christopher Mack, age 30 of Concow. An additional search warrant was obtained and additional electronics were seized.

To protect the integrity of the investigation, a press release was not done until Detectives finished executing search warrants related to the murder. Detectives also had to finish the child pornography investigation, and ensure two juveniles contacted during the investigation were not victims of child pornography prior to issuing a press release.

As a result of the search warrants numerous evidence items were located to include the following items:

Approximately 3,300 pounds of marijuana packaged for sale, approximately 10 firearms, approximately $140,000 in United States currency, approximately $30,000 in silver coins, numerous cellular telephones and computers, and a generator and vehicle that were purchased with the proceeds from narcotics trafficking. The United States currency and silver coins were also determined to be proceeds from narcotics trafficking.

To date the following individuals have been arrested:
Dylan Rice of Chico, age 25 was arrested for maintaining a residence where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana.
Shaina Burnette of Chico, age 39 was arrested for maintaining residences where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana.
Morgan Karno of Chico, age 52 was arrested for maintaining residences where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana.
Christopher Mack of Concow, age 30 was arrested for maintaining a residence where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of an assault weapon, being armed while committing a felony, possession of marijuana for sale, illegal cultivation of marijuana, and possession of child pornography.
Monique Bird of Chico, age 53 was arrested for child endangerment, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana.
Gabriel Bacon of Oroville, age 43 was arrested for maintaining a residence where narcotics are stored/sold, possession of marijuana for sale, and illegal cultivation of marijuana.

This investigation is ongoing. Detectives are in the process of analyzing evidence related to the murder investigation. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information about the murder, the drug trafficking organization, or the child pornography investigation to contact Detectives Joe Hooks or Jake Smith at 530- 538-7671