Northern California man arrested, accused of deadly shooting during July drug deal
A Northern California man was arrested this month on suspicion of homicide in connection with a July shooting that took place during a marijuana deal, authorities said.
Juan Rodriguez-Gil, 29, of Gridley was taken into custody last week while trying to re-enter the state from Mexico, authorities said.
Deputies responded around 8 p.m. July 8 to a shooting in the 1800 block of Esperanza Avenue in the town of Palermo, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Two victims were located, authorities said: a homeowner, who was grazed by gunfire; and 31-year-old Russhane Reynolds, who was believed to be associated with the group buying marijuana.
Reynolds was transported to a local, where he died shortly after arrival, the Sheriff’s Office said. The homeowner was treated at the hospital and released.
Investigating detectives identified Reynolds’ suspected shooter as Rodriguez-Gil and obtained a warrant for his arrest. Detectives also located evidence indicating Rodriguez-Gil had fled to Mexico, according to the news release.
Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Rodriguez-Gil on Nov. 7 after he attempted to re-enter California from Mexico, sheriff’s officials said.
Rodriguez-Gil was transported to Butte County and booked Nov. 8 into the Butte County Jail on charges of murder and assault using a semiautomatic firearm, booking records show.
The Sheriff’s Office said the July drug deal involved a “group of several males” showing up to a home on Esperanza Avenue for an exchange of “several pounds” of marijuana, and that at least two members of the buying group live on the East Coast. A residence, a mobile home and two other vehicles were also struck by gunfire during the shooting.
Detectives continue to investigate the homicide and shooting, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
This story was originally published November 16, 2022 at 10:10 AM.
