Northern California murder case remains unsolved, deputies offering $50,000 reward for answers
(FOX40.COM) — A murder case in Northern California remains unsolved after three years, and officials are reminding the community of a $50,000 reward that will be issued in exchange for information that leads to an arrest.
One day before the Fourth of July in 2021, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office was sent to assist California State Parks officers with a homicide investigation at the Bidwell Canyon Campground, about two miles east of the Lake Oroville State Recreational Area.
Detectives launch homicide investigation after man found dead at Oroville campground
When deputies arrived, they were able to determine that 20-year-old Tyler Dickson of San Pablo was fatally shot while sleeping in his tent during a group camping trip.
Deputies continued to actively investigate the case and eventually requested a reward through Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward.
In 2022, the request was granted, and $50,000 was issued to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and years later, the reward remains in effect.
“Our investigation leads us to believe that the person(s) responsible for Tyler’s death was part of a large group of people he was camping with, all of whom were from out of the area,” the sheriff’s office said. “Despite the passage of time, we remain committed to solving this case and delivering justice for Tyler and his family.”
Loved ones wait for answers in 20-year-old’s ‘puzzling’ shooting death at Oroville campground
Dickson attended El Cerrito High in the Bay Area and was a well-known athlete. He graduated in 2019, and according to his godfather Andre Williams, Dickson was set to receive a football scholarship and had a bright future ahead of him.
“He was just a gentle giant,” Williams said. “His mom, they raised him right. He came from a great family and it’s tragic that this happened to a kid like that.”
At the time, Williams added that Dickson was on a trip with his girlfriend’s family, and later learned that he was shot in the abdomen while inside his tent.
“What we do know is supposedly someone came in his tent while he and his girlfriend were sleeping and just shot one time, shot him, and ran off,” Williams said. “Real puzzling, especially when I talk to his mom because there’s no answer. It doesn’t make any sense.”
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Mike Worch at 530-538-7671.
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