The rural community of Palermo in Butte County, California, remains shaken as details continue to emerge about the horrific school shooting that occurred at the Feather River Adventist School on December 4, 2024. This tragedy left two young boys, Roman Mendez, aged six, and Elias Wolford, aged five, critically injured. The gunman, identified as 56-year-old Glenn Nathan Litton, died on the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In the wake of the attack, the community has rallied to support the victims and their families through vigils, fundraisers, and prayers, offering a poignant reminder of the power of collective action in the face of unspeakable tragedy.
The shooting took place at approximately 1:08 PM when Litton, carrying a 9mm handgun concealed in a large duffel bag, gained access to the school under the pretense of discussing enrollment for a child. He requested a meeting with school staff, using the alias “Michael Sanders.” The gunfire began shortly after, leaving Roman and Elias with severe internal injuries. Emergency responders swiftly arrived on the scene, where Litton was found deceased, and the injured boys were airlifted to UC Davis Children’s Hospital in Sacramento for treatment.
The Feather River Adventist School, which enrolls just 33 students and operates under the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has long been a beacon of close-knit, values-based education in this rural community. The attack shattered the peace and safety that the school has represented for decades. Authorities believe that Litton’s motivations stemmed from a series of delusional beliefs about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which he falsely associated with geopolitical atrocities, including the oppression of Palestinians and U.S. military actions in Yemen. A note found on Litton’s body, along with previous communications, outlined his disturbed rationale for targeting the religious institution.
Litton’s background paints a picture of a man tormented by personal demons. With a criminal record dating back to 1991 for theft, fraud, and forgery, and a history of mental health struggles since his teenage years, Litton’s life was marked by instability. He had been living in homeless shelters and temporary accommodations between Sacramento and Chico in the weeks leading up to the shooting. His final days were spent in Oroville, where surveillance footage captured him purchasing energy drinks at a local grocery store hours before the attack. Litton arrived at the school via an Uber ride, reportedly claiming he had an appointment with the administration.
As law enforcement agencies—including the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office—continue their investigation, the community’s attention has turned toward healing and supporting the victims. Roman Mendez, who suffered two gunshot wounds, underwent surgery and remains in critical but stable condition. His family has shared updates on his recovery, including his poignant first words after being extubated: “Where is Elias?” Elias Wolford, who was shot once in the abdomen, also remains in critical but stable condition after surgery. His grandmother expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.
The tragic event prompted immediate responses from local leaders and organizations. The Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church temporarily closed all schools under its jurisdiction to allow staff and students to process the events. In Oroville, security measures were heightened across schools, with counselors made available to students and staff. Sheriff Kory Honea commended the swift actions of first responders, whose efforts likely saved lives and prevented further injuries.
In the days following the shooting, the community rallied to provide tangible support for the families of Roman and Elias. A candlelight vigil was held on Friday, December 6, during the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in downtown Oroville. Hundreds of residents gathered to pray, light candles, and sing carols, creating a powerful display of solidarity. Attendees were encouraged to bring gift cards for gas and groceries to assist the families with their immediate needs. This collective act of kindness reflected the resilience of a community determined to stand together in the face of tragedy.
On Monday, December 9, the Southside Community Center in Oroville hosted a chili buffet fundraiser to further assist the families. Organized by local volunteers and supported by businesses and community leaders, the event aimed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the boys’ medical care and recovery. The fundraiser drew a large turnout, with many attendees expressing their commitment to supporting the families through every step of their healing journey.
The broader implications of this tragedy are profound, highlighting critical issues surrounding school safety, mental health, and community resilience. The incident has reignited conversations about the need for robust mental health services and preventative measures to identify individuals at risk of committing violent acts. The role of small, private schools in maintaining adequate security protocols has also come under scrutiny, with many questioning how such a devastating breach of safety could occur.
Feather River Adventist School, established in 1965, has always prided itself on providing a spiritually oriented education in a nurturing environment. The shooting has forced the institution to confront its vulnerabilities, with school officials pledging to review and enhance security measures to protect students and staff. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected families and fostering a safe environment for education and worship.
The tragedy has not gone unnoticed at the national level. Oroville Mayor David Pittman expressed gratitude for the White House’s outreach and offers of assistance. He emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming the challenges posed by such a harrowing event. Meanwhile, organizations like the North Valley Community Fund and GoFundMe have established dedicated funds to support the victims’ families, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede their recovery.
The investigation into the shooting continues, with authorities piecing together the sequence of events and examining potential missed opportunities for intervention. A detailed timeline has been released, outlining Litton’s movements on the day of the attack. From his bus ride to Oroville to his arrival at the school, every step underscores the calculated nature of his actions. Yet, it also raises questions about how a man with such a troubled history was able to carry out an attack on a vulnerable population.
As the community of Palermo navigates the aftermath of this tragedy, the resilience and compassion of its residents stand as a testament to the power of collective action. The stories of Roman Mendez and Elias Wolford, though marked by unimaginable pain, are also stories of hope, courage, and the unyielding support of a community determined to see them through to recovery. Their journeys will undoubtedly be long and arduous, but they will not face them alone. The vigils, fundraisers, and prayers offered in their honor serve as a beacon of light in the darkness, reminding all who are touched by this tragedy that love and unity can prevail, even in the face of the unthinkable.
