CHICO, CA — A tragic case of domestic violence unfolded in Butte County Thursday morning, leaving two young lives lost in what authorities are describing as a fatal kidnapping and murder-suicide. The Chico Police Department has confirmed the identities of both individuals involved in the April 3 incident.
The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Athena Marie Passidakis, a student at Chico State University. The suspect, 25-year-old Alvin Almontelasha Wilson, is believed to have abducted and fatally shot Passidakis before taking his own life.
Abduction in Broad Daylight
According to police, the violence began around 8:45 a.m. in the 2700 block of Eaton Road, where witnesses reported hearing a woman scream that she was being taken against her will. A gunshot was heard shortly after, followed by a vehicle fleeing the area.
Investigators say Wilson abducted Passidakis at gunpoint, discharged a firearm during the initial kidnapping, and then shot her again while driving. Authorities believe Wilson then turned the gun on himself prior to any law enforcement intervention.
Pursuit and Tragic Discovery
Responding officers located the suspect vehicle a short time later near State Route 32 and Meridian Road. Wilson refused to stop, prompting a police pursuit that ended in the 400 block of East 5th Avenue.
With assistance from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Chico State University Police, authorities deployed an armored rescue vehicle and distraction devices in an attempt to resolve the situation without further harm. No officers discharged their weapons during the standoff.
When officers approached the vehicle, they discovered both Passidakis and Wilson inside, each suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate aid from paramedics, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Confirmed Relationship and Ongoing Investigation
Chico Police have confirmed that Passidakis and Wilson had previously been in a romantic relationship. There were no prior police contacts involving Wilson, and no known criminal history has been reported.
The incident remains under active investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Campus Mourns the Loss of a Promising Student
Athena Passidakis was a Health Services Administration major at Chico State, set to graduate this spring. She joined the university in fall 2023 and had recently completed an internship at Butte Home Health and Hospice. Faculty and classmates describe her as kind, hardworking, and deeply committed to her studies.
Professor Richard Narad, who taught Passidakis in three classes, shared that her confidence had grown immensely throughout her time in the program. “She was well-liked and respected by her tight-knit cohort,” Narad said. “Her loss will be deeply felt.”
Chico State University issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy and emphasizing the importance of supporting students impacted by domestic or dating violence. Counseling and wellness resources have been made available to members of the campus community.
A Broader Call for Awareness
As this case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence, local advocates are urging anyone experiencing controlling, abusive, or dangerous behavior in a relationship to seek help immediately.
Resources for support include:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Chico State Safe Place (on-campus support for survivors): https://www.csuchico.edu/safeplace
- Catalyst Domestic Violence Services (Chico): 1-800-895-8476
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for continued education, intervention, and prevention surrounding intimate partner violence. Athena Marie Passidakis’s life and future were stolen far too soon, and her memory now stands as a beacon calling for change and protection for others at risk.