The Rancho Tehama Rampage: A Day of Terror in California

On a crisp November morning in 2017, the remote community of Rancho Tehama, California, nestled among oak-studded hills and rolling landscapes, became the unexpected stage for a harrowing series of events that would leave an indelible mark on the town and beyond. This sparsely populated area—a place where life moved at a languid pace just 120 miles northwest of Sacramento—was suddenly thrust into the national spotlight due to the violent acts of one man: Kevin Janson Neal.

Prelude to Violence

Before the frenzy unfolded, Rancho Tehama was known primarily for its scenic vistas and the tranquility of rural life. Yet beneath its serene exterior lay a community grappling with poverty, where 43% of residents lived below the federal poverty line. The town, home to 1,485 people as of 2010, was far removed from major urban centers, with essential services located miles away in Red Bluff and Corning.

Kevin Janson Neal, a 44-year-old resident of the area, stood at the center of the chaos that was about to erupt. Neal had a troubled past, marred by mental health issues and a penchant for conspiracy theories. His erratic behavior did not go unnoticed by neighbors, who frequently complained about his gunfire and volatile temper. Law enforcement had been called to Neal's residence on Bobcat Lane a staggering 21 times during 2016 and 2017, yet each encounter left the community on edge rather than reassured.

The Night of November 13

The first bloodshed occurred on the evening of November 13, 2017. Inside the walls of his home at 6970 Bobcat Lane, Neal shot and killed his wife, 38-year-old Barbara Glisan. Her body was concealed under the floorboards, hidden from view as Neal prepared for the carnage to come.

A Morning of Mayhem

The following morning, Neal embarked on a chilling spree that would span eight different locations and last a mere 25 minutes, yet leave a lasting scar on the community. At around 7:54 a.m., he began his rampage by murdering his neighbors, 38-year-old Danny Elliott and 68-year-old Diana Steele, whom he wrongly accused of drug dealing. With their lives claimed, Neal seized a pickup truck and continued his terrifying assault.

As Neal drove through the town, he indiscriminately fired at vehicles and pedestrians, turning an ordinary morning into a battlefield. Among his victims was Tiffany Nai Phommathep, who, along with her three young sons, was caught in the crossfire. Despite being shot multiple times, she managed to seek help, ultimately receiving aid from an off-duty deputy sheriff.

The School Siege

Neal's path of destruction led him to Rancho Tehama Elementary School, where a quick-thinking secretary, Sarah Lobdell, initiated a lockdown. Neal was undeterred by the closed doors, crashing his vehicle through the gates and firing upon the school with a self-assembled semi-automatic rifle. Bullets shattered windows and pierced walls, injuring two students, including six-year-old Alejandro Hernandez, who would require extensive medical treatment.

After unloading nearly 100 rounds, Neal left the school grounds, frustrated by his inability to gain entry to the classrooms. His rampage, however, was far from over.

The Final Confrontation

Neal's chaotic journey continued, resulting in further tragedy. He fatally shot Michelle McFadyen after crashing into her vehicle, and wounded her husband, Troy. Another passerby, unaware of the unfolding nightmare, was shot and robbed of his car by Neal, who continued his deadly spree.

Law enforcement officers, including a Corning Police officer and a Tehama County Sheriff's deputy, soon caught up with Neal. In a dramatic confrontation, they rammed his stolen vehicle, resulting in a gunfight. As the officers returned fire, Neal took his own life with a single shot above his left eye.

The Aftermath

In the wake of the shootings, the community grappled with the loss of five lives, including Neal himself, and the injuries of eighteen others. The brutality of the attack sparked debates on gun control, particularly concerning the homemade firearms Neal had used in defiance of legal restrictions.

Governor Jerry Brown expressed his condolences, acknowledging the profound impact on the community, especially the schoolchildren. Despite criticism of law enforcement's handling of Neal's prior behavior, Sheriff Dave Hencratt retained his position in the subsequent election.

In the quiet aftermath, Rancho Tehama found itself forever changed, a poignant reminder of how quickly violence can shatter the silence of rural life.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Rancho Tehama shootings