Update: Roseville Police Make Arrest in Skim X Owner Murder

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.