Jury convicts man in 2018 Berry Creek homicide
OROVILLE » An Oroville man was found guilty by a Butte County jury in the killing of a man at his Berry Creek residence.
The jury returned the verdict against Jasson Michael Stepp, 41, Wednesday afternoon in the Butte County Superior Court finding him guilty of killing William Chrisman, 68, on Jan. 4, 2018, outside of Chrisman’s home in Berry Creek.
It was the second trial of Stepp for the homicide, after a separate jury heard the evidence in September but was unable to reach a verdict.
According to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey, Chrisman was found dead in front of his Berry Creek residence, with eight gunshot wounds and significant blunt force trauma injuries to his head.
Stepp was connected to the homicide through DNA evidence, tire tread marks, and video surveillance from a neighbor that showed Stepp’s vehicle traveling to and from Chrisman’s home on the day he was killed.
Later, Chrisman’s personal belongings were found after they had been dumped in separate, rural locations, and also contained items apparently belonging to Stepp.
Cell phone data also indicated Stepp was in contact with Chrisman and had visited Chrisman’s home in the days leading up to the killing. The summer prior to the killing, Stepp had done work on the property after Chrisman’s ex-wife hired Stepp as a handyman. A release from the DA’s office stated Stepp was familiar with the property as a result.
“It is significant our office and the Butte County Superior Court (were) able to serve justice for the family of Chrisman in this case, regardless of the difficulties presented with COVID-19,” Ramsey said in a press release. “It is reassuring to know that Butte County residents are both willing and able to continue to do their civic duty even in these uncertain times.”
In trying the case twice, Ramsey credited prosecutor Jessica Miller for her “dogged determination to see that justice was done,” according to the release.
Stepp, who remains in custody without bail, will appear again on Dec. 24 at 1:30 p.m. to schedule a date for sentencing. According to the release, he faces 15 years to life in California State Prison.