Redding, California Double Fatal Shooting Leaves Tony Penta and Mother Dead Suspect Arrested Authorities Investigate

REDDING, Calif. — Police have made an arrest following a double fatal shooting Tuesday afternoon at a residence off Abernathy Lane in Redding. Authorities identified the victims as Tony Penta and his mother, and confirmed the suspect is 31-year-old Jesse Penta of Redding. The incident has left the community shocked and prompted a swift law enforcement response.

According to the Redding Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 1:15 p.m. after reports of shots fired in the 10000 block of Abernathy Lane. Emergency responders arrived to a tense and chaotic scene, with neighbors reporting gunfire and multiple 911 calls.

During the initial response, a man called 911 and informed dispatchers that he had shot two people outside his home and remained armed inside. This led authorities to implement heightened safety measures to protect both the public and responding officers.

RPD activated its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and deployed an Armored BearCat vehicle to approach the residence safely. Officers worked carefully to assess the situation while coordinating with negotiators to prevent further violence.

Upon arrival, police located two adult victims outside the home suffering from severe injuries. Officers and emergency personnel quickly moved the individuals to a secure area and provided lifesaving measures, but both were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The suspect, Jesse Penta, was contacted by a Crisis Intervention Response officer via phone. Through careful negotiation, Penta peacefully surrendered to law enforcement without further incident. He was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Shasta County Jail on two counts of murder.

Investigators confirmed that police had been called to the Abernathy Lane residence multiple times in recent weeks due to family-related disputes. While officials have not provided additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the shooting, the victims were confirmed as family members of the suspect.

The shooting prompted a temporary hard lockdown at Columbia Elementary School, located nearby. Law enforcement officers worked quickly to secure the area and confirmed that there was no threat to the school, lifting the lockdown by 2:04 p.m.

Abernathy Lane remained closed for several hours while detectives processed the scene, collecting evidence and speaking with potential witnesses. Authorities emphasized the importance of community cooperation to help clarify the events leading up to the double fatal shooting.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Redding Police Department is asking anyone with information to contact their Detective Division at 530-225-4214. Officials have assured the public that they are thoroughly examining all aspects of the case to provide clarity and ensure justice is pursued.