California Tree-Trimmer Charged Over Deadly Throat Slashings That Left 3 Dead Prosecutors say Ryan Scott Blinston returned to clients’ homes after work was completed and slashed the throats of the residents. OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) — A tree trimmer in rural Northern California has been charged in throat-slashing serial killings that left three people dead, prosecutors announced Thursday. Ryan Scott Blinston, 37, of the small city of Oroville, was charged on Wednesday with murder, attempted murder and arson. The charges included special sentencing allegations that Blinston used a deadly weapon, attacked an elderly victim and committed multiple killings. Blinston didn’t enter a plea during his arraignment Thursday. He was appointed a public defender and ordered held without bail pending a May 19 court hearing. Some relatives of the victims were in court for the hearing, Butte County District Attorney Michael L. Ramsey said.