Benicia Teen Shot, Set Fire To Family Cabin, Says El Dorado County Sheriff

EL DORADO COUNTY (CBS13) — A Benicia teenager is now accused of shooing and killing his dad, his father's fiancee and their 8-year-old son.

The remains of the Benicia family were found in a burned-out cabin in El Dorado County.

The criminal complaint alleges Nolen Buchanan, 16, used a .22-caliber rifle to kill his family at their log cabin before burning it to the ground.

"A father, a son and a mother that have all lost their life in this case, that's devastating," said El Dorado County Sheriff John D'Agostini.

Benicia residents Adam Buchanan, Molly McAfee and their son Gavin were reported missing last month, last seen on Sept. 11. Their cabin in Greenwood was found burned two days later.

Investigators found their charred remains inside.

"Forensic evidence also confirmed the three victims suffered from gunshot wounds prior to the fire," D'Agostini said.

Investigators say they later found Nolen at the family's Benicia home.

"He told the officers that his father, his father's fiancee, Molly, and his 8-year-old half-brother had driven to the Greenwood cabin and that he had stayed behind," D'Agostini said.

Deputies say they also found Adam Buchanan's white truck.

"Inside the F-150 was evidence contrary to the 16-year-old's earlier statements," D'Agostini said.

Buchanan owned his own construction company in Benicia where investigators say they located more incriminating evidence against the teen.

"A purse containing the identification of Molly McAfee and a wallet containing the ID of Adam Buchanan was found along with the firearm and ammunition in a business park near Buchanan Construction Company," D'Agostini said.