In the remote northern region of California, a series of break-ins has left a homeowner in dire straits as her property became effectively open to the elements and wildlife. The repeated burglaries at the residence of a 64-year-old woman near Magalia caused such significant structural damage that bears were able to enter, leading to further destruction and exacerbating the homeowner’s financial burdens.
Over the past week, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office has formally accused 11 individuals of these burglaries, which began with a reported incident in April 2024. The continuous invasions forced the homeowner to vacate, leaving the property vulnerable not only to further theft but also to bear intrusions. Due to the extensive damage, bears ventured inside, compounding the chaos and damage already inflicted by the burglaries.
Currently, five out of the 11 charged individuals remain in custody at the county jail, facing burglary charges. The other six have either fulfilled bail requirements or have been released on their own recognizance. Most of the accused—ten to be exact—are local residents of Magalia, with one individual hailing from nearby Paradise. Meanwhile, authorities have tentatively identified an additional five suspects, and charges against them are expected soon.
The location of these events, Magalia, lies about 92 miles north of Sacramento, nestled in an area surrounded by expansive national forests. The affected home is situated in the Lovelock area, positioned just to the north of Magalia, where such human and wildlife interactions are not uncommon given the proximity to vast wilderness.