William Chrisman, a 68-year-old resident of Berry Creek, California, was tragically murdered on January 4, 2018. Chrisman, who had spent over 40 years working in the logging industry before retiring, was found dead outside his home. The investigation revealed that he had been shot eight times and suffered four significant blunt force trauma injuries to his head. The brutal nature of his death shocked the local community, where Chrisman was known for his reliability, trustworthiness, and easy-going disposition.
The investigation into Chrisman's murder led to the arrest of Jasson Michael Stepp, a 41-year-old man from Oroville. Stepp had previously worked as a handyman on Chrisman's property during the summer before the murder but was fired on suspicion of theft. Evidence linking Stepp to the crime included DNA evidence, tire tread impressions, and video surveillance from a neighbor showing Stepp's vehicle traveling to and from Chrisman's home on the day of the murder. Additionally, cell phone records indicated that Stepp had been in contact with Chrisman and had visited his home multiple times in the days leading up to the murder.
Stepp was tried twice for the murder of William Chrisman. The first trial ended without a unanimous verdict, but in December 2020, a jury convicted Stepp of the murder. In March 2021, Stepp was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison by a Butte County judge. The sentence included 15 years to life for the murder and an additional five years for an unrelated identity theft case to which Stepp had pleaded guilty. During the sentencing hearing, Chrisman's daughter spoke about the profound impact her father's murder had on their family and the community, highlighting his generous and forgiving nature.
The case of William Chrisman's murder underscores the devastating effects of violent crime on individuals and communities. The thorough investigation and subsequent conviction of Jasson Michael Stepp brought some measure of justice to Chrisman's family, though the loss of a beloved father and community member remains deeply felt.
