Chico Man Identified as Suspect in Fatal Shooting of His Father
CHICO, CA — “On September 22, 2025, at approximately 4:54 p.m., the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) received a 911 call from the 2600 block of West Sacramento Avenue, Chico. During the call, the caller, later identified as the victim, Lenny Doe, age 54, of Chico, was overheard stating, ‘Don’t shoot me.’
BCSO deputies were immediately dispatched and arrived on scene. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with the suspect, identified as Matthew Theobald, age 35, of Chico. Deputies also located a deceased victim at the scene, identified as Lenny Doe, who had sustained gunshot wounds. Deputies determined that Doe was Theobald’s father.
Based on evidence located at the scene, deputies established probable cause that Theobald had shot Doe. A records check revealed that Theobald is on active California State Parole. During a search of Theobald’s person, deputies found shotgun shells in his pocket. Theobald was placed under arrest for being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition.
Subsequently, detectives obtained a search warrant for the property and conducted an extensive investigation. During the search, detectives located a shotgun on the property. Additional evidence indicated that Theobald had used the shotgun to shoot Doe.
At the conclusion of the investigation, Theobald was placed under arrest for one count of murder. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact BCSO detectives at (530) 538-7671.”
