Rafael Vargas Chavez, 40, of Corning, California, was shot and killed on June 8, 2021, while visiting a relative at a residence on County Road 20 in Orland, California. He tried to flee but collapsed about 30 yards away and was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders’ attempts to revive him failed.

The shooting took place near a large marijuana grow, and that proximity has prompted speculation about possible motives, but investigators have not confirmed a connection. The Glenn County Sheriff’s Office and the Glenn Investigations and Narcotic Task Force are treating the death as an intentional homicide; the Orland Police Department and California Highway Patrol also assisted. No arrests have been announced, and those suspected of firing the shots reportedly fled the scene. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office.