Butte Creek Canyon, CA – 48-year-old Valerie Ann Cadwallader of Chico was fatally shot by a Butte County Sheriff’s deputy Thursday afternoon after allegedly pointing a rifle at deputies and urging them to shoot her. The incident occurred on May 8th, 2025 around 2:39 p.m. on Butte Creek Island Road, near Honey Run Road, in the Butte Creek Canyon area just outside Chico.
Incident Overview
Deputies responded to a 911 call reporting that a woman was making threats at a neighboring property. Upon arrival, they encountered Cadwallader armed with a rifle. According to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Cadwallader allegedly pointed the rifle at the deputies and told them to shoot her. A deputy then fired one round from his service rifle, striking her. Deputies provided medical aid, and Cadwallader was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The Butte County Officer Involved Shooting Protocol Team, which includes the Butte County District Attorney’s Office, is conducting the investigation. Additionally, the California Department of Justice is assisting with the investigation.
Legal Context and Oversight
The use of deadly force by law enforcement officers in California is governed by California Penal Code § 835a, which permits such force only when necessary in defense of human life. Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989) established the “objective reasonableness” standard, assessing an officer’s use of force based on the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene.
Individuals affected by such incidents may seek legal recourse under 42 U.S. Code § 1983, which allows individuals to sue for civil rights violations, including excessive use of force by law enforcement officers.
Seeking Justice and Support
We at the Sehat Law Firm offer our condolences to the family of Valerie Ann Cadwallader.
The Sehat Law Firm is dedicated to representing individuals and families impacted by police misconduct and in-custody deaths. If you or a loved one has been affected by an incident involving law enforcement, our experienced attorneys are here to provide guidance and advocate for your rights. Contact us at (949) 825-5200 or fill out the form at the bottom of this page for a free, confidential consultation.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.
