Homicide suspect enters plea

An 18-year-old Tehama County man has pleaded innocent to charges he killed a Los Molinos man during a home invasion robbery.

Dylan Franklin Shires, charged with killing Clarence “Craig” Puckett, entered his plea Tuesday in Tehama County Superior Court. Judge H.N. Papadakis scheduled a preliminary hearing for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 1.

Shires was arrested May 28 and remains at the Tehama County Jail in lieu of $1.5 million bail. He’s charged with murder, home invasion robbery, burglary, conspiracy and 16 felony special allegations.

Puckett, 48, was shot to death Jan. 27 at his Wilson Road residence. His wife, Paula Puckett, 42, said she and Puckett were asleep when four men, wearing ski masks and hoodies, broke into their home and entered their bedroom. Two of the men had guns.

“They shot Craig in the head and told me not to move or they would shoot me too,” Paula said.

A large amount of marijuana was stolen from the Puckett residence during the robbery, according to Tehama County Sheriff Clay Parker.

Julie R. Johnson can be reached at 824-5464 or jjohnson@tcnpress.com