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Oroville teen faces manslaughter charges in crash that killed two passengers near Chico
Drew Thompson, 19, faces gross vehicular manslaughter charges after a January crash on Dayton Road killed two Oroville teenagers.
OROVILLE, Calif.
A 19-year-old Oroville man appeared in Butte County Superior Court on November 12th to face gross vehicular manslaughter charges stemming from a January crash that killed two teenage passengers south of Chico.
Drew Thompson also appeared on probation violation allegations. According to sources, he remained in custody with bail set at $210,000 for the manslaughter case and probation violation.
The crash happened at about 3:30 a.m. on January 25th, 2026, on Dayton Road. Sources say Thompson was driving a compact sedan with two passengers after a night of partying and drug use when he failed to negotiate a slight curve and struck a roadside tree.
Investigators allege the car hit the tree at 74 mph without braking. The speed limit in the area was 55 mph.
The passengers, Santino Ramirez, 19, and Carter Lyles, 17, both of Oroville, died at the scene. Thompson suffered major injuries and recovered following a lengthy hospital stay.
Passing motorist tried to help
According to sources, a passing motorist stopped after finding the crashed car and saw Thompson trapped in the driver's seat. The motorist pulled him from the vehicle and moved him a safe distance away.
Thompson then told the motorist that passengers were still inside. The car caught fire, and the motorist tried to reach them but was driven back by flames and heat.
A lengthy investigation by the California Highway Patrol's Major Accident Investigation Team led to Thompson's arrest on October 29th. He posted a $120,000 bail bond shortly afterward.
Separate probation allegations
While the crash investigation was underway, Thompson pleaded no contest in March and May to domestic violence and driving under the influence of marijuana charges arising from October 2025 incidents. His probation conditions required him to abstain from alcohol and marijuana.
Sources say a urine sample obtained by his probation officer on October 27th showed traces of alcohol and marijuana when results were returned November 2nd. Thompson was arrested that day on alleged probation violations.
At a November 5th court appearance, his earlier manslaughter bail bond was vacated and a new $210,000 bail amount was set for both matters.
The cases were continued at the November 12th appearance to the following week for further arraignment, appearance of counsel and entry of a plea. The November 13th release did not provide a specific date for that hearing.
The manslaughter charges and probation violation allegations remain pending.
Source: Butte County District Attorney's Office, November 13th, 2026 press release, “Double Vehicular Manslaughter Defendant Arraigned.” Photo provided with the release.