Tehama County District Attorney says community shaken by murder but calmed by arrest of suspects

RED BLUFF, California — The Tehama County District Attorney's Office provided an update on the status of defendants preparing for arraignment in connection with the Sept. 13 murder of the 16-year-old victim in Red Bluff.

The TCDA said 19-year-old Nathan Olney Reep was arraigned on a murder charge on Wednesday. He is accused of first-degree murder.

“First degree means willful, wanton and deliberate murder and is punishable by 25 years to life in prison,” the TCDA said. Reep remains in custody without bail and his case will resume on October 1, according to the Butte County District Attorney's Office.

17-year-old Blake Michael Bush also appeared in court on Wednesday, where he is also charged with murder. If convicted, he faces 25 years to life in prison. According to the TCDA, in addition to the murder charge, Bush is also facing a special charge that would add another 25 years to the life sentence, namely the use of a firearm resulting in death.

Bush returns to court on Tuesday, October 2.

Bush could be transferred to adult court at the request of the TCDA office so he can be tried as an adult. The TCDA said transferring Bush to adult court would require a judge's approval, which could take some time before a decision is made.

The third suspect, 15-year-old Ryan Scott Piper, has not yet appeared in court, according to the TCDA. His first court date is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26. The TCDA said its office is still reviewing the case to determine whether Piper should be tried as an adult.

Tehama County District Attorney Matt Rogers issued a statement: “This crime has shocked the community and caused great fear, especially among parents. Hopefully, the fact that these three defendants are in custody today allows the public to breathe a little easier.”