Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Antioch man arrested in 2007 Pittsburg cold case homicide

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DNA evidence linked suspect to killing

By Pittsburg Police Department

Nearly 16 years after the killing of a Pittsburg man, DNA evidence has led to the arrest of his killer. On June 7, 2023, Pittsburg Police Department detectives arrested 40-year-old Desante Lavelle Blake of Antioch for the 2007 murder of Larry Abercrombie.

On June 8th, 2007, Abercrombie was found suffering from gunshot wounds in front of his home in the 200 block of S. Catamaran Circle. Despite an extensive investigation at the time, no arrests were made, and the case remained unsolved for nearly two decades.

Recently, a Pittsburg Police Department Cold Case detective, who has been actively working this case, submitted evidence collected from the crime scene to the Contra Costa County Crime Lab for additional DNA testing, utilizing modernized technology. The crime lab was able to get a DNA match for the suspect and after a thorough investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Blake’s arrest. Detectives also conducted a search warrant at Blake’s home in Antioch where additional evidence was located that further implicated him in the crime. Blake was booked into the Contra Costa County Jail for murder.

Additionally, the case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which filed murder charges against Blake.

“Pittsburg PD is dedicated to solving unsolved cases and bringing justice to victims and their families,” said Chief Steve Albanese, “The arrest in this cold case homicide serves as a reminder that justice can be served no matter how much time has passed.”

If anyone has additional information related to this case, we ask you to please contact the Investigations Division at 925-252-4151

 

7 arrested in child sex ring during Brentwood PD-hosted “Operation Spring Clean”

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Four of the seven suspects arrested. Photos: Brentwood PD

Including suspects from Brentwood, Oakley and San Ramon; effort by 15 agencies also nabs 40 illegal guns

By Brentwood Police Department

During the week of May 31st, our agency hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for a week-long operation targeting adults who were seeking to meet minors for sex with the goal of identifying victims of child sexual abuse. A total of 15 law enforcement agencies participated in “Operation Spring Cleaning,” which encompassed over 1,200 law enforcement work hours throughout the week. The ICAC Task Force seized approximately 40 illegal firearms and 39 electronic devices, executed eight (search warrants, and impounded five (5) vehicles.

40 illegal guns were confiscated during the operation. Photos: Brentwood PD

In total seven (7) arrests were also made: 29-year-old Nhouel Dulay (Oakley), 42-year-old Michael Patterson (Brentwood), 25-year-old Carlos Vera (Brentwood), 54-year-old Robert Stearns (San Ramon), 43-year-old Jeffrey Pallesen (Stockton), 21-year-old Edward Stinson (Merced) and 29-year-old Randall Alston (Berkeley). All have been arrested and remain in custody pending preliminary hearings.

Police action nabs suspects at a gas station on Brentwood Blvd. and an apartment complex. Photos: Brentwood PD

The ICAC program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. This includes forensic and investigative services, training, technical assistance, victim services, and community education. Our agency remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our community and would like to thank all of the participating agencies for their contributions last week in combatting child exploitation.

 

Contra Costa DA drops charges against two suspects in mutilation, burning of Antioch woman’s remains over cops’ racist texts

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Police and fire department personnel investigate the scene of Mykaella Kayla Sharlman’s body found on fire along the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail in Antioch, Monday morning, Oct. 17, 2022. Herald file photos

People vs. Montalvo and Boone cases can be brought back; among cases under review by DA, Public Defender; suspects released; responding officers, lead detective not implicated in texting scandal

By Allen D. Payton

According to Public Information Officer Ted Asregadoo, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office determined the prosecution of The People of the State of California vs Ashton Montalvo and Deangelo Boone could not proceed to trial and moved to dismiss the case.

A dismissal at this juncture affords the District Attorney’s Office the ability to refile criminal charges against Montalvo and Boone and reinitiate legal action if new evidence is developed.

In this case, the prosecution of 42-year-old Deangelo Laraye Boone of Antioch and 33-year-old Ashton Kentrell Montalvo, of either Bay Point or Antioch, for mutilation and arson of the remains of 25-year-old Mykaella Kayla Sharlman found on the Mokelumne Trail in Antioch on October 17, 2022, relied heavily on the investigative work of Antioch Police Officers who are associated with racist text communications. (See related articles here, here, here, here and here)

After thoroughly reviewing the officers’ role in this case, applying relevant legal principles, and considering ethical responsibilities, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office no longer has confidence in the integrity of this prosecution.

“Our office extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Mykaella Sharlman and we aspire to renew this prosecution if presented with the opportunity to do so,” Asregadoo shared.

Case No. 04-22-01086 | The People of the State of California vs. Montalvo, Ashton

Case No. 04-22-01085 | The People of the State of California vs. Boone, Deangelo Laraye

As previously reported, District Attorney Diana Becton, Public Defender Ellen McDonnell, Betty Barker from the Alternate Defender Office, and the Director of the Contra Costa Conflict Program, Oksana Tsykova met in April to discuss the creation of a process to address cases affected by the disclosure of cruel, racially insulting, and hostile text messages written or received by members of the Antioch Police Department.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is working to identify cases that are potentially compromised by the text messages. Once we’ve identified those cases – and any overlapping conflicts — they will initiate a detailed review process for potential dismissal, resentencing, or the preservation of convictions.

The DA’s Office was asked for the names of the officers associated with the two cases and if the suspects have been released.

Asregedoo responded, “APD should have the information on what officers were involved in the investigation of the Boone/Montalvo case. As to whether both men are out of custody, unless they have holds on priors, they are likely out.”

“The texting scandal was only part of it,” he added. “There were other issues with the case. But we’re hopeful APD can pursue other investigative avenues and bring more evidence to review for a charging decision.”

Antioch Police Department PIO Corporal Price Kendall was then asked for the names of the officers and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jimmy Lee was asked if the suspects had been released.

Lee responded, “They are no longer in custody.”

UPDATE: Kendall responded, “We will not be releasing the names of the officers involved in the investigation. However, none of the officers that initially responded to the call or the lead detective that filed the case were implicated in the text messages.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Troy Foulger a double winner at Antioch Speedway on Soares Memorial Night

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Troy Foulger #49 picked up the big win in the Soares Memorial IMCA Modified race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Racing resumes Friday and Saturday night with annual Western States Dwarf Car Nationals

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media 

Antioch, CA…June 3…Troy Foulger won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The Oakley driver is the current point leader in the Bowers Motorsports entry, and this was his first win of the season. He is also in the hunt for an unprecedented sixth division championship.

Looking for a second-straight win, IMCA National rookie point leader Andrew Pearce of Oakley set the early pace, but a Turn 4 pass on the second lap put Foulger into the lead. Foulger led Pearce through a pair of yellow flags in the first 12 laps as Buddy Kniss of Oakley ran third. Martinez drivers Nick DeCarlo and Anthony Slaney dueled fiercely for the fourth position before Slaney  moved ahead. Slaney got around Kniss for third with a Turn 4 pass on Lap 15. Foulger had a good lead on Pearce and picked up the impressive win. Slaney ended up third ahead of DeCarlo and Randy Shafer a Vacaville.

Point leader Troy Foulger #49 won his third IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Later, Foulger came back and won his third 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Rob Gallaher of San Jose led early with Foulger making an inside pass on Travis Dutra of Concord on Lap 2 to take second. Foulger went low in Turn 4 on the third lap to grab the lead front Gallaher. From there, he pulled away in the non-stop affair to a straightaway advantage. Dutra went inside down the front stretch on Lap 4 to grab second. Gallaher battled with Scott Foster of Oakley for the third spot until Foster took the position on Lap 9. Foulger won ahead of Dutra, Foster, Gallaher and Jason Robles of Rio Vista.

Highly decorated Placerville and Marysville champion Matt Michelli #96 won the Xtreme Late Model Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Live Oak’s Matt Michelli won the 20 lap Xtreme Late Model Main Event. Micheli is a 10-time champion across multiple divisions at tracks in Placerville, Marysville and Chico.

Paul Guglielmoni of Vacaville charged into the lead at the start ahead of Les Friend of Galt. Micheli moved into second on Lap 2 and made a low pass in Turn 2 of the fifth lap to take the lead from Guglielmoni. On the seventh lap, Rod Oliver of Yuba City slipped past Guglielmoni for second, and a yellow flag waved moments later. Micheli continued to lead Oliver on the restart, but reigning  champion Dan Brown Jr of Lincoln made a Turn 2 pass on Lap 12 to take second. Clark Guglielmoni of Vacaville quickly settled into third. Micheli set a good pace In the closing laps and picked up the victory ahead of Brown, Guglielmoni, Oliver and Chester Kniss of Antioch.

Jason Ryan Jr #52 picked up his second IMCA Sport Modified feature to take the point lead. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was his second win of the season as moved into the point lead. Ryan bolted into the immediate lead ahead of Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley and Kelly Campanile of Oakley. Pacheco’s Kenny Shrader slipped past Campanile for third on the sixth lap and set his sights on Ryan and Mallet. Following a yellow flag on Lap 8 for Tyler Browne, Ryan continued to lead Mallet and Shrader on the restart. Ryan ran a smooth race for the remaining distance and collected the victory. Mallet settled for second ahead of Shrader, Campanile and Chuck Golden of Pittsburg.

Dwarf Car star Danny Wagner #11 won the Hobby Stock feature race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Danny Wagner won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. This wrapped up a clean sweep of Dash, heat and and feature race for the Bay Point driver. Wagner is a three-time Dwarf Car champion.

Chris Long of Antioch bolted into the early lead ahead of Colten Haney of Brentwood. Wagner slipped into second on the third lap with Jared Baugh Pittsburgh running in third. Wagner made an inside pass on Lap 6 to take the lead from Long. Baugh gained second on the Lap 7 restart, but he spun in Turn 4 on the 11th lap, collecting Long. Wagner led Les Friend of Galt on the restart, but Friend was involved in a tangle on the 13th lap. At that point, Wagner led Kevin Brown of Oakley and Ken Johns of Antioch. Aidan Ponciano of Oakley moved into third on Lap 16 and dueled Brown over the remaining laps. Wagner went on to victory ahead of Brown, Ponciano, Baugh and Johns.

DJ Saenz #72 won the Mini Late Model Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DJ Saenz of Manteca won the 15 lap California Sharp Mini Late Model Main Event. This race was scheduled two days prior. Manteca’s Mitch Enos took the early lead over Saenz and Dan Zuger of San Jose. Zuger headed for the infield on the seventh lap, and a Lap 9 pass gained Saenz the lead from Enos. Enos kept it close, but Saenz prevailed in the end. Cayden Foster ended up third with Zuger rounding out the finishing order.

Racing resumes this Friday and Saturday night with the annual Western States Dwarf Car Nationals, hosted by the local Delta Dwarf Car group. Some of the best drivers on the West Coast will be there. On Friday, the Wingless Spec Sprints and IMCA Stock Cars will be competing. Saturday night will also include the IMCA Modifieds, Tri State Pro Stocks and Print Club Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – June 3, 2023

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Troy Foulger, Buddy Kniss. Main Event (20 laps)-Troy Foulger, Andrew Pearce, Anthony Slaney, Nick DeCarlo, Randy Shafer, Buddy Kniss, Chris Sieweke, Bobby Motts Jr, Dave Duste Jr, Tim Yeager Jr.

Xtreme Late Models

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Anthony Slaney, Clark Guglielmoni. Main Event (20 laps)-Matt Micheli, Dan Brown Jr, Clark Guglielmoni, Rod Oliver, Chester Kniss, Shawn DeForest, Les Friend, Justin Yeager, Wayne Trimble, Paul Guglielmoni.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tyler Browne, Kenny Shrader. Main Event (20 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Jacob Mallet Jr, Kenny Shrader, Kelly Campanile, Chuck Golden, Trevor Clymens, Joseph Pato, Tyler Browne, Mark Garner, Tommy Clymens Jr.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Danny Wagner, Chris Long, Jared Baugh, Colten Haney. B Main (12 laps)-James Thomson, Bobby Gallaher, Michaela Taylor. Main Event (20 lap)- Danny Wagner, Kevin Brown, Aidan Ponciano, Jared Baugh, Ken Johns, James Thomson, Jon Haney, Colten Haney, Jess Paladino, Trevor Clymens.

IMCA Stock Car

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Troy Foulger. Main Event (20 laps)-Troy Foulger, Travis Dutra, Scott Foster, Rob Gallaher, Jason Robles, Kenneth Robles, Nick DeCarlo DNS.

California Sharp Mini Late Models

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Mitch Enos. Main Event (15 laps)-DJ Saenz, Mitch Enos, Cayden Foster, Dan Zuger.

 

 

New playground structure installation at Regatta Park in Discovery Bay thru June 30

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Rendering of Regatta Park playground structure by Miracle Playsystems. Source: CCC Public Works

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, CCC Public Works Department

Contra Costa County Public Works is installing a new playground structure at Regatta Park, 2514 Foghorn Way, Discovery Bay. Work has already started on this wonderful project, and will continue through Friday, June 30, 2023, barring unforeseen circumstances. Contractors will be working between 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), weather permitting. The park will remain open during installation; however, park users may encounter staff and equipment during working hours.

Fencing will be installed around the work area for safety. The new playground areas will not be accessible while fencing is in place. Walking on the surfaces during the curing process can affect the finished product.

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.  CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at www.cccpublicworks.org.

 

Contra Costa Coroner’s Inquest Jury finds Antioch man in jail died of natural causes

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By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced that a coroner’s jury reached a finding Friday, June 3, 2023 in the January 3, 2023 in-custody death of 31-year-old Brian Love Pence, Jr. of Antioch. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is natural.

Pence was arrested on December 31, 2022, by Antioch police for misdemeanor spousal battery. Upon entering Intake, he tested positive for Covid and was assigned to a module on quarantine status and housed alone. He was screened by County Health Services and cleared for incarceration by Medical and Mental Health staff.

On Jan. 3, 2023, at approximately 1:22pm, deputies conducted a room check and observed no movement from the inmate. Deputies made entry and called for jail medical staff to respond. Life-saving measures were attempted by deputies, medical staff and paramedics. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no immediate signs of trauma or anything suspicious. (See related article)

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Matt Guichard.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding:  Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Hercules man faces murder charge, Antioch man arraigned for assault with firearm in Pleasant Hill shooting

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Outside bar on April 3rd; murder suspect arrested in Mexico

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, CCDA

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has filed a two-count felony complaint against a Hercules man for the murder of 37-year-old Oscar Arellano Laredo in Pleasant Hill on April 3rd.

Around 1:15 am, Pleasant Hill Police received reports of shots fired in the 1900 block of Contra Costa Boulevard. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Mr. Laredo lying on the ground in in the parking lot of Farrington’s Bar at 1938 Contra Costa Blvd. with a gunshot wound to his head. Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly after and pronounced Mr. Laredo deceased at the scene. (See related article)

An investigation into the incident revealed that a dispute in a nearby bar involving friends of the shooter and victim preceded the shooting. Witnesses also reported the suspect fled in a vehicle shortly after the murder. Police were able to identify the vehicle and its owner – who matched witness descriptions of the shooter – as 35-year-old Andre Aaron Barocio (4/21/88). Law enforcement officials in Mexico arrested Barocio on May 21st and he was transported back to the Bay Area where he was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on May 25th. His arraignment is scheduled for May 26th in Martinez.

In addition to the murder charge [PC187(a)], Barocio faces a second felony [PC29800(a)(1)] for possessing a firearm by a felon and a special allegation for the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm [PC12022.53(d)].

According to locacrimenews.com, Barocio has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Pittsburg, Concord, U.C. Berkeley, Walnut Creek and West Covina Police Departments, as well as Contra Costa CHP and Alameda County Sheriff’s Department including for DUI, possession of ammunition, driving with suspended license and speeding over 100 MPH and drug possession.

Co-defendant 32-year-old Angelo Martinez Delacruz (5/31/90) of Antioch was arraigned on assault with a firearm [PC245(a)(2)] and has a court date set for a preliminary hearing on June 1st in Martinez.

Barocio’s arraignment has been put over to June 1st since his case is related to Delacruz. It will be held in Department 27 with Judge Teri Mockler.

Case No. 01-23-01411| The People of the State of California v. Barocio, Andre

Case No. 01-23-01292 | The People of the State of California v. Delacruz, Angelo Martinez

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Jewish holiday of Shavuot to be celebrated with dairy flair in Brentwood Friday evening

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Honors the giving of the 10 Commandments. Cheesecake anyone?

By Mashie Goldschmid, Chabad of the Delta

At a unique crossroads between religion and cuisine, the Holiday of Shavuot, celebrating the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai over 3,300 years ago, has become a celebration of fine dairy cuisine as well. Shavuot is celebrated for two days and this year the Holiday celebrated on Friday and Saturday, May 26th and May 27th.

As the Torah was given, and the laws of kosher dining were first received, the Jewish People were not yet capable of properly preparing beef and poultry and as such ate dairy. The rest is history. Exquisite cheesecakes, ravioli, lasagna, Greek salad and of course, cheese blintzes all take center stage during this ancient celebration. Some suggest that this has contributed to the renewed popularity this holiday has seen.

When thinking Jewish Holidays, Passover, Chanukah and Yom Kippur come to mind. Nevertheless, Shavuot is considered one of Judaism’s major holidays and was in fact a “pilgrimage” when all of Israel would travel to Jerusalem to celebrate in the Temple.

“No, it isn’t all about the food,” said Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid of the Chabad Jewish Center. “What is important is that the community is joining together, hearing the Ten Commandments and celebrating the Torah. But the good food certainly helps!”

The Chabad Jewish center welcomes the community to it’s annual Ice Cream Party & Dairy Buffet on Friday May 26th at 5:00 PM.

The Shavuot celebration is free of charge, and all are welcome to join, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. Special program and prizes for all children. RSVP appreciated JewishDelta.com/Shavuot or 925-420-4999

What is the holiday of Shavuot?

More than 3,300 years ago, the Jewish people received the Torah from G-d at Mount Sinai. Shavuot literally means “weeks” and marks the completion of the seven-week counting period between Passover and Shavuot. Shavuot customs include all-night Torah study, listening to the recitation of the Ten Commandments, the reading of the Book of Ruth, eating dairy products and adorning the synagogue and home with flowers.

About the Sponsoring Organization:

With unconditional love and acceptance, Chabad of the Delta is dedicated to enhancing Jewish awareness and pride in East Contra Costa.

Chabad offers Jewish education, outreach and social service programming for families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations.

For more information or to RSVP, contact the Chabad at 925.420.4999 or visit online at JewishDelta.com/Shavuot.