Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 7/28/2010, at approximately 1715 hours, deputies assigned to the Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Sub-Station were dispatched to a battery victim in the 28500 block of Maricopa Highway (State Route 33). Deputies met with Gail Britt, who stated she was inside her home when the three suspects forced entry inside, assaulted and battered her, made death threats against her and her family, and dragged her throughout the home against her will. Deputies found visible injuries on Britt consistent with her statement. Medical personnel were summoned and transported Britt, to the Ojai Hospital Emergency Room for treatment. She was found to have sustained serious injuries. A search of Britt’s residence revealed evidence consistent with her statements.

Deputies contacted suspects Robert Chuk and Lori Murphy soon after and subsequently placed them under arrest. Deputies contacted suspect Adam Owen the following morning and placed him under arrest. All three suspects were arrested for felony violations of 459 PC (Burglary), 243(d) PC (Battery resulting in great bodily injury), 422 (Criminal Threats), and 207 PC (Kidnapping). During the investigation, the suspects made statements that corroborated the victim’s statements. All suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail, where deputies requested a bail increase in the amount of 1 million dollars.

This incident stemmed from a landlord / tenant dispute, where the suspects were involved in a legal marijuana cultivation business, authorized by the California Health and Safety Code. This case has been submitted to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for filing.

Location: 3800 block Castle Creek. Maricopa (Ventura County)

Date & Time: 7/28/2010 / 2035 hours. - 7/29/2010 / 0945 hours

Units Responsible: Lockwood Valley Sheriff’s Station Patrol
Ojai Police Department Investigations

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)witnesses City of residence Age

(V) Gail Britt. Maricopa (Ozena Valley), CA. 59
(S) Robert Chuk Maricopa (Camp Scheideck), CA 54
(S) Lori Murphy Maricopa (Ozena Valley), CA 50
(S) Adam Owen Maricopa (Ozena Valley), CA 28
Officer Preparing Release: Senior Deputy Ryan Clark. Lockwood Valley Patrol

Follow-up Contact: Detective Mark Burgess. Ojai Police Department. (805) 646-1414

Date of Release: 7/30/2010