๐๐๏ธ Two Men Plead Guilty in the 2023 Killing of 17-Year-Old Justina Stubbe as Family Continues Seeking Justice
- SaoMai
- July 15, 2026

๐๐๏ธ Two Men Plead Guilty in the 2023 Killing of 17-Year-Old Justina Stubbe as Family Continues Seeking Justice
A significant development has taken place in the case surrounding the tragic death of 17-year-old Justina Stubbe, who lost her life during a gang-related drive-by shooting in Chico, California, in May 2023.
According to the สuััe County District Attorney’s Office, Oscar Castrejon-Sanchez, 21, and Marcos Douglas-Ayala, 24, have both pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and multiple counts of attempted murder for their roles in the shooting.
The incident occurred during the early morning hours of May 6, 2023, at an apartment complex on the 1000 block of Columbus Avenue, where a large gathering was underway.
Investigators said several individuals were struck after sHเนฯs were fired from a pแดssing vehicle into the crowd.
Justina Stubbe, a 17-year-old from Oroville, suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital by friends before emergency responders arrived. Despite medical efforts, she later pแดssed away.
Five other victims survived the incident, although several required emergency medical treatment.
According to investigators, surveillance footage, witness interviews, and forensic evidence helped identify those believed to be responsible.
Authorities allege that the suspects attended the gathering before becoming involved in an argument with members of a rival gang. Prosecutors say the group later left the scene, obtained firearms, and returned, where multiple sHเนฯs were fired into the crowd.
Officials described the shooting as an act of retaliation connected to an ongoing gang dispute.
As part of negotiated plea agreements reached in April 2026, Castrejon-Sanchez received a sentence of 45 years to life in state prison. Douglas-Ayala agreed to a sentence of 43 years and four months to life.
Court records also indicate that both defendants agreed to forfeit sentencing credits accumulated while awaiting trial in the สuััe County Jail.
Judge Michael Deems accepted the plea agreements, with formal sentencing scheduled before both men are transferred to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Authorities also confirmed that a third suspect, Alejandro Douglas, remains wanted in connection with the case. Investigators believe he may be outside the United States, and a warrant remains active for his arrest.
Although the guilty pleas represent an important step in the criminal proceedings, Justina’s family says the emotional pain of losing her remains overwhelming.
Loved ones continue to remember her as a vibrant teenager whose future was filled with promise before it was tragically interrupted by violence.
The case has also renewed attention to the broader impact of gang-related violence on communities and the innocent people who can become victims of conflicts in which they have no involvement.
Community leaders say Justina’s death serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences such violence can have on families, neighborhoods, and young lives.
As the legal proceedings move toward their final stages, Justina’s family hopes she will be remembered not for the tragedy that claimed her life, but for the bright future, kindness, and dreams that made her life meaningful.
๐๏ธ๐
Source: https://storyflow.cafex.biz/blog/justina-stubbe-murder-case-update-oscar-castrejon-sanchez-and-marcos-douglas-ayala-plead-guilty-to-murder-and-attempted-murderh1053?fbclid=IwY2xjawTD6JJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQS2w2U1Q4cVN1RG9hMW52c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHur9ItUcIXS6ba15iS_TpgjAlBXnr_pu1XSmQxwt7zWizHgwVqfupUV4dtQT_aem_B-43kDu2UG3YqXsOOC5kkQ