On the morning of March 9, 1900, John Richards and Steve Thompson were arraigned before Judge Collins at the Chico City Hall on a charge of murder. By this time both men had confessed, the murder weapon had been found, and the stolen money retrieved. The courtroom was crowded with spectators as the two suspects were brought in.

The newspapers reported “a marked difference in the appearance of the two prisoners,” and took great interest in drawing the contrast.

Richards, who is almost white and shows but little Indian, was unusually pale and his red and swollen eyes showed that he had been crying. His lips trembled and it was evident from his nervous manner that he had slept but little, if any, during the night.

Chico Weekly Enterprise 9 March 1900

John Richards had a white father from Plumas County and his mother was half-white, hence the comment that he was “almost white.” He had been raised on the Rancho Chico rancheria and worked as a teamster. The newspaper reported the touching scene between mother and son. “It was truly pitiful to see this old woman clinging to the young murderer and to hear her wail of distress.”

Steve Thompson presented quite a different picture. It was said he had shown neither regret nor fear for the future, but smiled “at reference to the horrible deed.”

Thompson is a Pitt River Indian, a member of the tribe who, in the days of Fremont and Kit Carson, were noted for their daring, bravery and blood-thirsty nature. He entered the courtroom with that air of bravado characteristic of his race, smiling at all he chanced to know. His manner showed plainly that if he realized his position, he did not count the cost of his crime.

Chico Weekly Enterprise 9 March 1900

After the arraignment, the two men were taken to Oroville to be held in jail until the trial. Again the contrast was noted:

A large crowd of Indians from the Indian village assembled about the wagon. Thompson neither cared for them, not did the Indians care for him. He wore a defiant grin, but Richards was as solemn as a priest. He had been well liked by the Indians and they gathered about him to bid him farewell. They shook his hand, but not a hand was extended to Thompson.

Chico Record 10 March 1900