Oroville, California – A tragic confrontation between father and son culminated in a guilty plea from 35-year-old Matthew Shane Theobald for the first-degree murder of his father, Lenny Doe, in Butte County Superior Court on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which unfolded in September, marked a distressing chapter for a family already fraught with tension.
Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey detailed the circumstances that led to the crime. Doe, who was 54, owned a parcel on West Sacramento Avenue in Chico where Theobald was living at the time. In the weeks preceding the murder, escalating conflicts had strained their relationship. On September 22, Doe requested that his son complete some chores while he was at work. When he returned to find those tasks unfinished, an argument erupted.
During the heated exchange outside, Doe warned Theobald that he would contact his parole officer. This threat incited Theobald to retrieve a shotgun from their residence. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the confrontation escalated to a harrowing moment when Doe dialed 911 at 4:54 p.m., pleading for his life before the call ended abruptly with a gunshot.
Law enforcement arrived shortly thereafter, confronting Theobald, who acknowledged firing the weapon and led deputies to the gun in the house. Doe sustained multiple injuries from gunfire, including three wounds—one to his side and two to his head. Authorities reported that Theobald confessed to intent, stating he shot his father in the head to ensure he was dead.
Notably, Theobald was on parole for a prior assault involving a correctional officer, and he had removed his ankle monitor, a clear violation of his release conditions. His criminal history, as documented in court records, includes multiple offenses ranging from burglary to battery on a peace officer.
Theobald is scheduled to return to court on December 11, 2025, for sentencing, facing a potential prison term of 35 years to life. The senseless nature of the violence has shocked the community, leaving residents grappling with the aftermath of such devastating familial strife. The case serves as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from unresolved conflicts and the importance of addressing underlying issues before they escalate beyond control.