Man arrested in connection with suspicious homicide following Chico police investigation

CHICO, California – A man has been arrested in connection with a suspicious death in July in the city of Chico. The Chico man’s death has led to a months-long investigation by the Chico Police Department’s Violence Suppression Unit (VSU).

Chico police said they were called to the area of ​​Woodland Avenue and Alders Street at 8:10 p.m. on July 17 for a report of an unresponsive person in a parked vehicle on the side of the road.

When officers arrived at the scene, police confirmed the person was dead.

CPD said it has continued to investigate the suspicious death and the circumstances leading up to it over the past few months.

CPD said the investigation revealed that the deceased, now identified as 44-year-old Michael Luther of Chico, was punched in the face by 34-year-old Leighton Patrick Reed of Chico during an argument within the One Mile Recreation Area.

The blow caused Luther to fall to the ground. Police said Reed and witnesses carried Luther to a vehicle and drove away.

Police said it is believed Reed Luther then walked to the intersection of Alder St. and Woodland Ave. drove, left the scene of the crime and left Luther behind.

An arrest warrant was obtained for Reed, which ultimately led to his arrest in the state of Utah. On Wednesday, October 23, the U.S. Marshall’s Office transferred Reed into the custody of VSU investigators.

Reed has since been booked into the Butte County Jail on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.