In the early hours of April 30, 2023, Lompoc police responded to a domestic violence incident in the 1600 block of West Pine Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered 59-year-old Cassandra Butler deceased from gunshot wounds and her 29-year-old nephew, Tyree McPherson, critically injured. McPherson was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries on May 2, 2023.
The suspect, identified as 60-year-old Zavian Armone Chappell, was arrested at the scene. Chappell, Butler's husband, was initially charged with murder and attempted murder. Following McPherson's death, the charges were updated to include a second count of murder. Chappell pleaded not guilty to both counts and was held without bail at the Santa Barbara County Jail.
Cassandra Butler, also known as Cassandra "CeCe" Sims, was born on May 27, 1963, in Sedalia, Missouri. She served honorably in the United States Army and later worked as a dietician in various locations, including Lompoc. A dedicated member of the Usher Board at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church, she was known for her love of God and family. Her funeral service was held on May 17, 2023, at Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Lompoc.
A GoFundMe page was established to assist with funeral expenses for both Cassandra and Tyree, referred to as Cassandra Sims and Tyree Sims-McPherson. The page described Cassandra as a loving daughter, sister, and aunt who always put her family first, and Tyree as a pure and gentle soul with a smile that could light up any room.
The tragic incident has been classified as a double homicide, with Chappell facing two counts of murder. The case remains under investigation by the Lompoc Police Department, which has urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
