BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - One of three suspects charged with the murder of John David Noonan, 41, of Chico, in a rear parking lot of the Chico Motel 6, was sentenced March 9 in Butte County Superior Court.

Eric Allen, 38, of Chico, was charged with using a firearm to shoot and kill John Noonan on Jan. 23, 2020. Allen pled to first degree homicide in January 2022 and was sentenced to 25-years-to-life in prison on March 9.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said John Noonan’s father, Michael Noonan, addressed the court during sentencing and described the extensive loss he has experienced throughout his life, but noted that nothing compares to the loss of a child. John Noonan left behind seven siblings and two children.

“Despite Allen’s 25-to-life sentence, he will be eligible for parole in just 20 years, because of the Legislature’s new ‘Elder Parole program,’ which allows inmates to seek parole after only 20 years of custody once they reach the age of 50, regardless of their how many years a judge ordered.” Ramsey said.

The remaining two defendants, Justin Cozakas and Monica Ruggiero, are set for jury trial June 13. Both are charged with first degree homicide for their role in Noonan’s murder, and they remain in custody at the Butte County Jail while they await trial.