Accidental Shooting with Stolen Rifle: Dorris Man Arrested in Mother’s Death

DORRIS, CA – A tragic incident involving an accidental shooting with a stolen rifle has resulted in one fatality and an arrest in the small community of Dorris, California. The shooting occurred on October 2nd, 2024, leaving the local residents in shock.

Andre Bryant Layne, 24, has been taken into custody following the death of his mother, Mary Loretta Curtz, 55. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to the scene on Wednesday afternoon after receiving reports of a shooting.

According to SCSO, deputies arrived at a residence to find Ms. Curtz deceased in her yard, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound. As law enforcement was securing the scene, they received an unexpected call.

In a surprising turn of events, Andre Layne himself contacted the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch. During the call, Layne identified himself and stated that he had accidentally shot his mother with a stolen rifle.

SCSO dispatcher maintained a conversation with Layne. Their efforts proved crucial as they eventually convinced him to exit a nearby residence safely and unarmed. Upon emerging, Layne was swiftly detained by a California Highway Patrol Officer who was present at the scene.

Following his surrender, Layne was arrested and subsequently booked into the Siskiyou County Jail.

Andre Layne, 23, of Dorris, was booked on October 2 on suspicion of murder, burglary, and grand theft of a firearm. Bail was set at $250,000 for the murder charge.

https://www.siskiyou.news/2024/10/07/siskiyou-county-jail-bookings-report-october-1-7-2024/

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking additional information from the public. They urge anyone with knowledge pertinent to this case to come forward. Those with information can contact the SCSO at (530) 841-2900.