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Unhoused Man's Shooting Death: Suspect Arrested
6 Jun
Summary
- Suspect arrested for the shooting death of a beloved unhoused man.
- The victim was a well-loved guest of a mobile shower nonprofit.
- A dog was also injured during the incident and expected to survive.
Stockton police arrested Andres Lepe, 38, on Thursday in connection with the May 30 shooting death of Christopher Butler, 46. Butler, an unhoused man, was found with a gunshot wound near railroad tracks and later died at the hospital. Lepe is scheduled to appear in court on June 8.
Butler was remembered as a beloved guest of the nonprofit Showered with Love, which provides free hot showers and hygiene kits. He had been a regular guest since 2021, known for his warm hugs and radiant smile. Friends described him as a gentle caretaker who dreamed of building his own property.
During the incident, a dog named Charlie, belonging to Butler, was also injured. The dog is currently receiving veterinary care and is expected to survive. Police are still investigating the motive, the connection between Lepe and Butler, and if Lepe himself is unhoused.
The arrest brought a sense of closure to those who knew Butler and highlighted the challenges of seeking justice for victims experiencing homelessness. His loss has deeply affected the unhoused community and those who supported him.
