The Butte County District Attorney has ruled that a shooting at a homeless encampment in Chico, California, was an act of self-defense, following a deadly confrontation on July 7, 2025. Gerald Michael Thompson fatally shot Donald Laroy Stevens during what officials called a “gun duel” after a violent dispute involving their dogs.
According to the DA’s July 14 press release, the conflict began when Thompson’s dog severely injured one of Stevens’ dogs. In response, Stevens allegedly retrieved a shotgun and threatened to kill Thompson. Thompson then armed himself with a .22-caliber revolver. A standoff ensued, ending when Thompson fired a single round that struck Stevens in the head. Stevens died at the scene.
District Attorney Michael Ramsey confirmed the details of the altercation and emphasized that the situation had escalated into what he called a gunfight. “It was at that point a gun duel,” Ramsey stated, noting the fatal shot was deemed justified under California’s self-defense laws.
While Thompson will not face charges for the shooting, he has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. That felony charge was filed on Monday.
The incident underscores ongoing safety issues within California’s sprawling homeless encampments, where unregulated living conditions and frequent confrontations continue to endanger residents and the public. Law enforcement and local governments face increasing pressure to restore order while balancing civil liberties and public safety.
Butte County authorities confirmed that the investigation into the use of deadly force is closed, with no further criminal charges expected related to Stevens’ death.
