A convicted felon from Phoenix has been arrested for illegally selling a gun later used in a tragic school shooting in Oroville, California, authorities announced Tuesday.
Jesse Kitagawa Jr., 45, was taken into custody on January 9, 2025, after a joint operation between the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and Phoenix Police Department. Investigators determined that Kitagawa sold the gun to 56-year-old Glenn Litton in April 2024 during a transaction at a Chandler motel. Litton used the weapon to critically wound two kindergarten students on December 4, 2024, before turning the gun on himself.
Illegal Sale Uncovered During Investigation
Detectives discovered that Kitagawa, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, sold the gun to Litton for $300. This sale violated Arizona state law, which forbids felons from handling firearms.
A search warrant executed at Kitagawa’s Phoenix residence provided evidence linking him to the sale. He was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and made his initial court appearance on January 10.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Kitagawa remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. The Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office is expected to file formal charges in the coming days, according to BCSO.
This case highlights the dangerous consequences of illegal firearm transactions, as well as the ongoing collaboration between state and local law enforcement agencies to address gun-related crimes.
