http://www.orovillemr.com/news/ci_6578204
Fugitive from triple homicide case in custody
BY PAULA M. FELIPE/Public Safety Reporter
Oroville Mercury Register
Article Launched:08/09/2007 12:00:00 AM PDT
A Bail Bondsman reportedly gave valuable information to U.S. Marshals that led them to locate Deandre Tyrone Lowe, also known as "Ty."
Lowe, 38, is a suspect in the robbery of marijuana at the Best Value Inn in Oroville, which left three people dead after a fierce gun battle in a motel room on Oct. 22, 2006.
The Oroville Police Department had issued an active felony warrant on homicide charges for Lowe and had asked the public's help in locating him.
U.S. Marshals captured Lowe in Seattle, Washington, where he remains in custody.
"He is expected to be arraigned on the warrant from the Oroville Police Department. If he waives extradition, he will be returned to Butte County soon," said Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey.
On Oct.. 22, 2006, suspected medical marijuana patients from the Concow area were attempting to sell a portion of their crops when one of three intended buyers from the Vallejo area tried to rip them off at gunpoint.
At least 17 shots were exchanged during the ensuing gun battle, some of the bullets penetrating into two adjoining — but unoccupied — motel rooms.
Dejuan Dean, 33, of Sacramento, Lee Miles Nixon, 22, of Vallejo, and Thomas Kile, 38, of Concow, were killed.
Four men reportedly fled the scene, and three were later arrested and charged with possession for sale and transportation of marijuana.
Both gunman were killed in the shoot-out along with Nixon, who apparently was caught in the crossfire.
Police investigators believe Lowe had accompanied the sellers to the motel room for the drug deal and robbery.
Ramsey explained under the felony murder rule, suspects can be charged with first-degree murder if a death ensues during a planned robbery or other serious offense, even if they did not pull the trigger.