On April 30, 2023, just after 3 a.m., Lompoc Police responded to a reported domestic violence incident in the 1600 block of West Pine Avenue and found two people with gunshot wounds. Fifty-nine-year-old Cassandra Butler was pronounced dead at the scene. Twenty-nine-year-old Tyree Eugene Sims-McPherson was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and died there on May 2, 2023.

McPherson was born May 17, 1993, in Lompoc and was the son of Cornelius McPherson and Latoya Sims; he was raised by his aunt known as Auntie Mom Cece. Police identified and arrested 60-year-old Zavian Chappell on April 30, 2023; Chappell was charged in connection with Butler’s death and, after McPherson’s passing, faced a second homicide charge. Authorities described the incident as a double homicide and asked anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone knew Tyree or has information about that night, please share what you know with investigators.