On August 4, 2023, the San Francisco Police Department received a report of a deceased individual inside a U-Haul vehicle. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of 21-year-old Alexander Licona-Romero from Oakland. Subsequent investigations by the Butte County Sheriff's Office revealed that Licona-Romero, along with at least two accomplices, had traveled from the Bay Area to Berry Creek with the intent to commit an armed robbery at an illegal marijuana cultivation site. During the attempted robbery, Licona-Romero was fatally shot. His accomplices then transported his body back to San Francisco, where it was left in the U-Haul near the Bayview Police Station.
In November 2023, authorities arrested two individuals in connection with this incident. Harold Rodriguez-Blanco, 24, of Oakland, was apprehended and charged with attempted robbery, kidnapping, and false imprisonment. Similarly, 31-year-old Graciela Buenrostromendoza of Modesto was arrested on November 29 after a search warrant was executed at her residence; she faces the same charges. Both are suspected of participating in the planning and execution of the robbery that led to Licona-Romero's death. The Butte County Sheriff's Office has indicated that additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
Authorities have urged anyone with further information regarding this case to contact the Butte County Sheriff's Office Felony Investigations Unit at (530) 538-7671. This incident underscores the dangers associated with illegal activities and the complexities law enforcement faces when dealing with crimes linked to illicit marijuana operations.
