California school shooter bought a 'ghost gun' from Phoenix man, investigators say

[Miker12]

Let's see how small our circle is within the AZ gun community really is:

"The handgun Litton used in the shooting was a Glock 19 ‘ghost gun.’ ‘Ghost gun’ receivers lack serial numbers, and can be assembled by individuals using gun parts from different firearms. BCSO detectives, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), analyzed the parts on the handgun and located evidence the handgun was previously owned by an individual who resided in Buckeye, Arizona. Detectives also located evidence Litton was in Phoenix, Arizona in April of 2024," the sheriff's office said.

In December 2024, BCSO detectives headed for Arizona after finding evidence that the gun was previously owned by Steven Lyons, 77, of Buckeye. Lyons reportedly bought the gun from the widow of the original owner after he died.

"The original owner purchased the firearm lawfully and the subsequent sale to Lyons was lawful under Arizona state law," investigators said.

Lyons then reportedly sold the gun to Jesse Kitagawa Jr., 45, of Phoenix on April 8, 2024. Investigators say Kitagawa Jr. is a convicted felon who cannot own guns.

Full story: https://www.yahoo.com/news/california-school-shooter-bought-ghost-225729699.html

 

[Twobadazbrothers]

Can someone explain how they traced a ghost gun with no serial number???

 

[Suck My Glock]

Can someone explain how they traced a ghost gun with no serial number???

My first guess is that the rest of the Glock parts had numbers and they were traced. Probably was a seized weapon or surplus police weapon that was contracted out for destruction by Gunbusters or a similar company, who destroyed the receiver but sold the remaining parts to a parts dealer. The serial number on the destroyed weapon was still used for inventory purposes (perhaps as a requirement of the contract with the police department) and so the ultimate private purchaser of the parts kit was able to be searched for and found.

 

[Joe_Blacke]

Can someone explain how they traced a ghost gun with no serial number???

You’d be amazed at what information people leave in their phones, computers and the like. As well as often these people talk to friends/family (or brag on YouTube) who end up giving material facts to LE who put the big picture together.

 

[QuietM4]

Can someone explain how they traced a ghost gun with no serial number???

The frame, barrel, and slide of a Glock are all serialized (they all match). So, if a person used a slide or barrel from a gun they purchased, and used a P80 frame (maybe the original Glock frame broke somehow, and they replaced it with a P80 frame), the gun could easily be traced to the person who bought it from a gun shop.

 

[PK90]

The trace was done on the Glock barrel that was bought as a whole G19 in Scottsdale by the widower's husband. She had sold it after his death. The trail led the Butte Co Police to the shooter. Not sure if any laws were broken. Sucks for those involved to be unintentionally involved in this shooting. FYI, I have no involvement, just knowledge.

 

[YNOTAZ]

I love how thew media focusses on "ghost gun" but ignores the fact that the gun was traced through multiple owners, including one felon. They also ignore the fact that the shooter has been a felon for over 20 years, exhibited mental problems, was found to be attempting a mass murder with explosives years ago, has managed to live "homeless", and had enough cash left over to buy the gun through crime and California state assistance.

California might just as well have bought the gun for the guy.

 

[xerts1191]