Update: Roseville Police Make Arrest in Skim X Owner Murder
Christopher Jon Michael Northam was arrested Feb. 22 on suspicion of murdering his father, Christopher D. Northam in 2011, according to Roseville Police.
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Wednesday morning, Feb. 22, two people were arrested in connection with the 2011 murder of Chistopher D. Northam, the owner of Skim X. Northam’s son, Christopher Jon Michael Northam, 25, was arrested on an arrest warrant charging him with the murder of his father. He was arrested at a traffic stop on Eureka Road in Roseville around 7:30 a.m. Feb. 22. That same time, 34-year-old Averill Elizabeth Easley, the suspect’s ex-wife, was arrested in a gym in Rocklin on charges that she was an accessory after the fact.
Christopher Dale Northam, 44, of Rocklin, was murdered inside his indoor sports business, Skim X, located on Industrial Avenue in Roseville on the afternoon of May 30, 2011. Roseville Police responded to a call of an argument and shots fired inside the business. When they arrived, they found Christopher Dale Northam dead. He had multiple gunshot wounds.
Roseville Police Investigations Lt. Mark Toupin said investigators believe there was an argument between father and son shortly before the murder. Toupin said investigators believe the murder was premeditated. Toupin could not go into more detail other than saying that “we definitely believe that it was for financial gain.”
The “exhaustive investigation” took almost nine months, Toupin said, and included interviewing numerous witnesses, serving search warrants, examining financial records and eliminating other potential suspects.
The murder weapon, a 223 semi-automatic rifle, is still missing, Toupin said.
Toupin said the Skim X business had faced some financial troubles and was constantly seeking new investors.
Toupin could not give more information, but said he’s confident more details will come out in court.
Northam Jr. is being booked in the Placer County Jail without bail. Easley is being held on $25,000 bail. Easley is suspected of giving false and misleading information to police about key facts, thereby delaying and obstructing the investigation.
Their first appearance in court is tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 in Department 13, the Placer County Jail courtroom.
Bob
3:01 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Was there a romantic tie between son and stepmother? She certainly wasn't his mom unless she was nine when she gave birth to him. Why would she lie for a stepson unless she was going to gain financially and if she was going to do that then the chances of her being in on the planning is better than even.
Lauren Gibbs
3:51 pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Bob, Averill Elizabeth Easley is the son's ex-wife. They were married shortly and had the marriage annulled, according to Toupin.
Lauren Gibbs
11:54 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012
A former Skim X manager/part owner told us on Facebook he was "in shock" hearing the news. He wrote something up about the news: http://inlandskimmovement.com/feature/suspect-arrested-in-skim-x-owners-murder/
Bob
12:31 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
Sorry about the mix-up on the family relations. Most guys might want to kill an ex-wife but would never commit murder with an ex-wife. Still I can't believe a son would kill a father over money. My father and I never got along but i certainly didn't expect him to give me anything. I made my choice and I lived by it. I made my own life and did not expect any handouts or that he owed me anything once i turned eighteen including room and board. My father never prepared me for the world so I did it on my own while in high school. I would have never harmed my father except to protect the life of my mother.
Lauren Gibbs
2:38 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
Bob, you definitely bring up some interesting points. It is hard to imagine someone killing their father over money. It will be interesting to see what details come out during the trial regarding their father-son relationship.