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Burned Human Skull Found on California Man's Property, Leads to Murder Charge
Joseph Dexter Taylor, 52, accused of killing 33-year-old Chris Kidwell and burning his body
Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:51pm
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A California man has been charged with murder after a burned human skull and other skeletal remains were discovered on his property in Butte County. Joseph Dexter Taylor, 52, was arrested and charged with one count of murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of arson. The remains are believed to belong to 33-year-old Chris Kidwell, who had been living on Taylor's property since late 2025.
Why it matters
The discovery of a burned human skull on a private residence raises serious concerns about violent crime and the disposal of human remains in rural areas. This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the use of forensic evidence to hold perpetrators accountable, even in remote locations.
The details
On March 21, two people called 911 to report the discovery of what they believed to be a human skull and other skeletal remains at a residence on Ricky Road in the Hurleton area east of Oroville, California. The callers said that Taylor had arrived at their home in the early morning hours of March 20, appearing agitated and talking about a cremation, and that he had burn marks on his legs. Evidence from the investigation led authorities to believe the remains belonged to Kidwell, who had been living on Taylor's property since late 2025. The sheriff's office said the investigation uncovered evidence indicating that Kidwell was shot before Taylor burned his body.
- On March 21, two people called 911 to report the discovery of the remains.
- On March 20, Taylor arrived at the callers' home, appearing agitated and talking about a cremation.
- Taylor was already in custody at the Butte County Jail on an unrelated felony arrest warrant related to a firearm offense.
- Taylor appeared in court on March 26 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- Taylor is next scheduled to appear in court on April 2.
The players
Joseph Dexter Taylor
A 52-year-old California man who has been charged with one count of murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of arson.
Chris Kidwell
A 33-year-old man who had been living on Taylor's property since late 2025 and is believed to be the victim in this case.
Mike Ramsey
The Butte County District Attorney, who provided details about the investigation and charges against Taylor.
What they’re saying
“Evidence from the investigation indicates Kidwell was shot before Taylor burned his body.”
— Mike Ramsey, Butte County District Attorney
What’s next
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are awaiting DNA analysis to confirm the identity of the remains. Taylor is currently being held on a no-bail hold and also has pending arson cases in Lake County.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the use of forensic evidence to hold perpetrators accountable, even in remote locations. The discovery of a burned human skull on a private residence raises serious concerns about violent crime and the disposal of human remains in rural areas.
