REDDING, Calif. — A quiet Tuesday afternoon in Redding was shattered by violence when two people were gunned down outside a residence on Abernathy Lane. Authorities have arrested the suspected shooter, 31-year-old Jesse Penta, after a tense but peaceful standoff with police.
Gunfire Erupts on Abernathy Lane
According to the Redding Police Department (RPD), officers were dispatched shortly after 1:15 p.m. on September 2, 2025, following multiple reports of shots fired in the 10000 block of Abernathy Lane.
During the response, dispatchers received a chilling 911 call from a man who admitted to shooting two people outside his home and claimed he remained armed inside the residence. That caller was later identified as Jesse Penta.
SWAT Deployment and Immediate Response
Due to the danger of an armed suspect barricaded inside the property, RPD swiftly activated its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and deployed an Armored BearCat vehicle to secure the perimeter and protect responding officers.
Upon arrival, officers located two adult victims outside the residence, both suffering from severe gunshot wounds. The victims were pulled to safety, and officers attempted lifesaving measures. Tragically, despite their efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Victims Identified as Family Members
Authorities later confirmed the deceased as Tony Penta and his mother. Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from ongoing family tensions, though the exact motive has not yet been released.
This devastating revelation has left neighbors shaken, as the victims and suspect were all related.
Negotiations Lead to Peaceful Surrender
Inside the home, Jesse Penta initially refused to come out but remained in communication with police. He spoke by phone with a Crisis Intervention Response officer, who helped de-escalate the situation.
After tense negotiations, Penta eventually agreed to surrender without incident. He was taken into custody by SWAT officers and later booked into the Shasta County Jail on two counts of murder.
History of Domestic Disputes
Investigators revealed that law enforcement had been called to the same residence several times in recent weeks due to family-related disputes. While officials did not disclose specifics about those prior calls, they confirmed the history of conflict will be central to the ongoing investigation.
School Lockdown and Community Impact
The shooting also prompted safety protocols at Columbia Elementary School, located nearby. As a precaution, the school went into a hard lockdown shortly after the incident began. Parents and staff were notified, and the lockdown was lifted by 2:04 p.m. once police determined there was no threat to the campus.
Meanwhile, Abernathy Lane remained closed for several hours as detectives processed the crime scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses.
Call for Information
The Redding Police Department continues to investigate the tragic double homicide. Officials are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the RPD Detective Division at 530-225-4214.
“This is a devastating situation for the family and our community,” an RPD spokesperson said. “We are committed to uncovering the full circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
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