A Southern California living situation has spiraled into a criminal investigation after two Santa Clarita roommates say hidden surveillance footage captured a fellow tenant allegedly spraying toxic insect repellent onto their food — a discovery that followed months of unexplained illness.
The incident unfolded at a shared rental home on Cedar Ridge Court in Santa Clarita, located in the Santa Clarita Valley area of Los Angeles County. Tenants David and Billy Sonhopper say they began experiencing severe health problems throughout late 2025, including persistent vomiting, extreme fatigue, abdominal and chest pain, hot and cold sweats, and skin irritation. According to the couple, hospital evaluations later described their symptoms as consistent with poisoning, and one tenant was diagnosed with liver damage.
Growing suspicious, homeowner Robert Le — who rents out rooms in the property while residing there himself — installed hidden cameras in shared kitchen and pantry spaces.
What they say the cameras captured was shocking.
Footage recorded on Oct. 10 and Dec. 20, 2025, allegedly shows 42-year-old roommate Timothy Bradbury wearing gloves and a gas mask while methodically spraying a can of Raid insect repellent onto groceries, produce, pantry items and even a communal coffee pot. The videos, portions of which have circulated online and in local TV coverage, appear to show the suspect carefully coating fruit, packaged foods and surfaces before returning items to their places.
“He was spraying our fruit, vegetables, canned goods — even the coffee pot we use every morning,” Billy said in an interview with local media. David added that they initially could not identify the substance, only noticing that food sometimes tasted unusual or went missing.
Beyond the alleged contamination, the couple also accuse Bradbury of entering their private room without permission, cutting up clothing, stealing medication and personal items, and destroying property. Those allegations remain under investigation.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to the home on Feb. 24, 2026, after the couple reported the footage. Authorities say Bradbury briefly barricaded himself inside before surrendering without incident following negotiations that included a department mental evaluation team. A can of insecticide consistent with the one seen in the recordings was recovered at the scene, according to officials.
Bradbury was cited on a misdemeanor charge related to food tampering and released the same evening pending further review. As of this week, he does not appear in county inmate records. Authorities have said the case remains open and will be presented to prosecutors, who could consider whether felony charges are warranted.
The decision to release the suspect on a misdemeanor citation has sparked backlash online, with some commenters characterizing the alleged actions as attempted murder and questioning why more serious charges were not immediately filed.
Legal experts note that under California law, poisoning or adulterating food can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the evidence of intent and bodily harm. Charging decisions ultimately rest with prosecutors after reviewing investigative findings.
For now, the Sonhoppers say they are staying elsewhere and no longer feel safe in the home. The landlord has initiated eviction proceedings.
Authorities continue to investigate the case.
