Joseph Dexter Taylor, 52, faces murder and arson charges after a burned human skull and skeletal remains were discovered on his property in rural Butte County. Authorities believe the remains belong to 33-year-old Chris Kidwell, who lived there since late 2025. Taylor had appeared agitated and mentioned a cremation hours before the discovery.
On March 20, Taylor arrived at a nearby home in the early morning, agitated and speaking of a cremation, with burn marks on his legs, according to the Butte County District Attorney's Office. The next day, March 21, two men called 911 to report what they believed to be a human skull and other skeletal remains at Taylor's residence on Ricky Road in Hurleton, east of Oroville, about 70 miles north of Sacramento. Deputies confirmed the remains and obtained search warrants for two parcels, recovering additional evidence, the Butte County Sheriff's Office said in a press release. Taylor was charged that day with murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of arson. He was already in custody on an unrelated firearm warrant. Evidence indicates Kidwell was shot before his body was burned, the DA's office stated. Kidwell's family had contacted authorities on March 20 after failing to reach him for about a week. DNA analysis is pending to confirm the identification. The investigation, described as extensive, points to Taylor's responsibility, though it remains ongoing. Taylor, who also faces arson cases in Lake County, pleaded not guilty in court on March 26 and is held without bail. His next appearance is scheduled for April 2.
