On May 6, 2023, 17-year-old Justina JoAnn Stubbe of Oroville, California, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Chico. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. near the 1000 block of Columbus Avenue, where a party was taking place. A vehicle drove by the gathering, and unknown suspects fired multiple rounds into the crowd before fleeing the scene. Justina was transported by friends to Enloe Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Five other individuals, aged between 17 and 21, sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting.
In the days following the incident, law enforcement agencies conducted an intensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. On May 22, 2023, two suspects were charged in connection with the shooting. Eighteen-year-old Oscar Sebastian Castrejon-Sanchez of Chico and his cousin, 21-year-old Marcos Tiny Douglas-Ayala of Hamilton City, were each charged with one count of murder and five counts of attempted murder. Authorities revealed that the shooting was gang-related, stemming from an earlier altercation at the party where the suspects had been asked to leave. After obtaining firearms, they returned to the scene, leading to the fatal drive-by shooting. A third suspect, 33-year-old Alejandro Douglas, brother of Douglas-Ayala, remained at large and was also wanted on a federal warrant for probation violation related to a drug trafficking conviction in South Carolina.
Justina's death deeply affected her family and the Oroville community. Described as a kind, smart, funny, and caring young woman, she was known for her contagious laugh and strong family orientation. Her father, Joshua Stubbe, expressed profound grief over the loss of his daughter, emphasizing the void her passing left in their lives. The community's outpouring of support was significant, with many attending vigils and contributing to fundraising efforts to assist the family during this difficult time.
