Granite Bay man charged with murder

The man who faces murder charges in connection with Christopher Worth's death was described by authorities as a longtime friend, a fellow Del Oro High School alumnus and a neighbor. Not far from where Worth's parents live, Placer County Sheriff's detectives arrested 23-year-old Caleb John Madsen at his family's Bella Vista Drive home in Granite Bay. He was taken into custody at 9 p.m. Thursday and remains behind bars on no bail. Information about Worth's death is still sparse, but investigators said they believe the 23-year-old spent Saturday afternoon and evening with Madsen at Madsen's home. Worth's body was found just after noon the following day in a field off Cavitt-Stallman Road by a motorcyclist passing by. Sgt. Brian Whigam said the preliminary autopsy results indicate Worth died from a single stab wound to the chest. A knife was reportedly found at the scene where Worth's pickup was also located. Detectives are still waiting for Worth's toxicology reports. According to Whigam, additional evidence found at the scene and at Madsen's home indicate Worth was killed at his friend's residence and his body was transported to the field in his own truck. The knife as well as additional evidence apparently linked to Madsen's property is currently being examined at the California Department of Justice Crime Lab in Sacramento. Whigam said a motive had not yet been determined. "These were friends for many, many years," he said. Madsen's arraignment is scheduled for Monday.Attempts to reach Madsen's family for comment were unsuccessful. Both men grew up in the Granite Bay area. Worth moved into an apartment in Rocklin last year with his girlfriend, Audrey Sands, and her 6-year-old son, Marcus. The two men also graduated together in 2000 from Del Oro. Friends and family members are invited to celebrate Worth's life at a service scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the First United Methodist Church in Loomis. Worth is survived by his parents, Peter and Linda Worth, sister Corinna Ruiz, 29, brother Dan Worth, 26, and cousin, Heidi Banks, who lived with the Worths for many years.