California DOJ criminalists confirmed gun in then-suspect’s possession was the murder weapon

“California DOJ criminalists evaluate evidence, including firearms and ballistics to assist law enforcement departments with their investigations and district attorneys’ offices with prosecutions.  They provide an invaluable service to law enforcement, public safety and criminal justice in our state.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona  

SHASTA COUNTY – On August 16, 2024, Crystal Odom plead guilty to first degree murder, admitted that she used a firearm in the commission of the crime, admitted that she committed the murder while lying in wait, and admitted numerous aggravating factors related to the crime.

On October 27, 2023, Odom entered the victim’s residence from a bathroom window, waited for the victim to enter her bedroom, and shot her twice in the back, ultimately killing her. In their investigation, Shasta County Sheriff’s detectives learned that Odom considered the victim her “grandma” and the motive for the crime was family issues related to possible thefts and kicking Odom out of the house.

Odom was located and arrested on October 28th, 2023, at which time, a handgun was located in her possession. California Department of Justice criminalists later confirmed that the gun that was in the possession of Odom was the gun used to kill the victim. Odom was also interviewed at the sheriff’s department, where she admitted to shooting the victim on the night of the 27th.

Odom will be sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. The sentencing is scheduled for September 13, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. in Department 24.