By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department
Richmond, CA – As previously reported, the Richmond Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue.
At approximately 9:09 p.m., Richmond Police officers responded to a residence in the 4500 block of Potrero Avenue to assist fire and medical personnel with a medical call for service. Medical personnel requested police assistance after determining the victim’s injuries appeared to be the result of an assault. Officers arrived and found medical personnel performing life-saving measures on 68-year-old Jerome Timmons. Despite their efforts, Timmons succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Officers quickly identified 61-year-old Victor Doyle Blacknell, born 6/24/1964, as the suspect and determined that the victim and suspect were siblings. Detectives from the Richmond Police Department Homicide Unit responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation.
The preliminary investigation indicates Timmons and Blacknell were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. Following the assault, Blacknell fled the scene. Officers quickly developed information regarding Blacknell’s whereabouts and responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Maine Avenue, where he was safely taken into custody without incident.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and detectives are continuing to determine what led to the altercation. Blacknell remains in custody and has been booked on one count of murder, in violation of California Penal Code 187(a). He is being held on $1,000,000 bail.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, seven-inch tall, 175-pound Blacknell is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department Investigations Bureau at (510) 621-1288.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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