Home / Crime and Justice / Redding Man Claims Insanity in Mother, Brother Slaying
Redding Man Claims Insanity in Mother, Brother Slaying
31 Aug
Summary
- A Redding man is accused of killing his mother and brother.
- He pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder.
- The defendant has now entered an insanity plea for examination.
Jesse Anthony Penta, 32, has entered an insanity plea in the September 2, 2025, fatal shootings of his mother, Chastity Milenewicz, 47, and brother, Anthony Ray Penta, 29. The Redding man faces two counts of murder for the incident on Abernathy Lane. Police responded to calls of shots fired around 1:15 p.m. that day.
Officers discovered the two victims outside the residence, where lifesaving measures were attempted but unsuccessful. Penta had reportedly called 911 admitting to the shootings with a 12-gauge shotgun, claiming self-defense. He initially pleaded not guilty at his September 2025 arraignment.
The case has experienced delays due to repeated competency evaluations. Penta briefly represented himself before a public defender was reappointed in June 2026. The recent insanity plea shifts the legal focus, necessitating a mental health evaluation to determine his state of mind during the alleged crimes. Penta is being held without bail.
