REDDING, Calif. — September 2, 2025 — A quiet Tuesday afternoon in Redding was shattered by violence when a man allegedly shot and killed two family members outside his home on Abernathy Lane. Police say the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Jesse Penta, was arrested following a tense standoff with law enforcement.
Shots Fired Call Leads to SWAT Activation
According to the Redding Police Department (RPD), officers were dispatched at approximately 1:15 p.m. to the 10000 block of Abernathy Lane after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire. One of those calls came from Penta himself, who told dispatchers that he had just shot two people outside his residence and remained armed inside.
Given the severity of the situation, RPD immediately activated its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and deployed an Armored BearCat vehicle to the scene. Columbia Elementary School, located nearby, was placed on hard lockdown as a precaution, and residents in the area were urged to shelter in place.
Victims Found, But Could Not Be Saved
When officers arrived, they discovered two adult victims lying outside the home suffering from catastrophic gunshot wounds. Officers quickly pulled them to safety under armored cover and administered emergency first aid. Tragically, despite their efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later identified the deceased as Tony Penta and his mother. Their deaths have left the community stunned, with neighbors describing the family as troubled but never expecting such a violent outcome.
Negotiations Lead to Peaceful Arrest
Inside the home, Jesse Penta remained armed but eventually spoke by phone with a Crisis Intervention Response officer. Police say that ongoing dialogue allowed them to de-escalate the situation and convince Penta to surrender peacefully.
Just before mid-afternoon, Penta exited the residence unarmed and was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Shasta County Jail, where he was booked on two counts of murder.
History of Disturbances at the Residence
Investigators confirmed that police had been called to the Abernathy Lane residence multiple times in recent weeks for family-related disturbances. While officials have not yet disclosed what led to Tuesday’s fatal shooting, they indicated that long-standing tensions may have played a role.
“This was not a random act of violence,” RPD said in a statement. “The victims and suspect were known to one another, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.”
Community Disruption and Aftermath
The incident caused significant disruption in the surrounding area. Columbia Elementary School was locked down from approximately 1:30 p.m. until 2:04 p.m., when police confirmed there was no active threat to the campus. Parents were notified, and officers remained on site until classes were dismissed safely.
Meanwhile, Abernathy Lane was shut down for several hours as detectives worked the crime scene, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The heavy police presence drew dozens of concerned neighbors who stood at a distance, many expressing shock at the day’s tragic events.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active as detectives continue to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the shooting. Officials have not yet released the weapon used or the details of Jesse Penta’s interview with police.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Redding Police Department’s Detective Division at (530) 225-4214.
This case marks one of the most serious incidents of family violence in Redding in recent memory, leaving two people dead and a community searching for answers.
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