Contra Costa Herald

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

Walnut Creek man charged in double murder of his wife, mother-in-law

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Faces additional charges of making criminal threats of death and great bodily injury in 2024, preventing wife from calling police in 2023

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – A 43-year-old Walnut Creek resident was charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office in a double murder.

Howard Wang was scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 pm on September 23rd in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez for the murder of his wife Linlin Guo, and mother-in-law, Beimin Cheng. The murders occurred on September 18th, 2025, at the couple’s residence in Walnut Creek. The charges include special circumstances enhancements for multiple murders. If found guilty by a jury, Wang could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Additional charges against Wang include making criminal threats of death and great bodily injury against Linlin Guo around August 31st, 2024, and preventing Linlin Guo from reporting a crime to law enforcement on January 7th, 2023.  As previously reported, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 183-pound Wang was also arrested on Jan. 7, 2023, by Walnut Creek Police for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, removing, destroying or damaging a wireless communication device to prevent summoning assistance or law enforcement.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This tragic case is a stark reminder of the devastating toll domestic violence takes — not only on the victims whose lives were lost, but on families and the community as a whole. Our office is committed to aggressively pursuing justice in this case.”

Case No. 01-25-03009 | The People of the State of California v. Howard Wang

See Howard Wang Charging Document

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood man sentenced to over 8 years in prison for receipt of child sex abuse materials, possession of unregistered rifle

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44-year-old Michael Lee Patterson was one of 7 arrested during 15-agency Operation Spring Clean in May 2023, including men from Oakley, San Ramon, another from Brentwood

Will also face 10 years of supervised release, ordered to pay restitution

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Michael Lee Patterson was sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, to 103 months in federal prison for receipt of child pornography and possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle.  U.S. District Judge Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr. handed down the sentence.

As previously reported, Patterson, 44, of Brentwood, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 18, 2024. He pleaded guilty on May 21, 2025, to both counts. According to the plea agreement, Patterson attempted to meet an individual whom he believed to be a 13-year-old girl to perform sexual acts on her.  After his arrest the week of May 31, 2023, Patterson was found to be in possession of over 600 videos and 1,000 images containing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  Law enforcement also found Patterson in possession of a short-barreled rifle, which he had not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.

Patterson was one of seven men arrested while the Brentwood Police Department hosted the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for an 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 vehicles.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) San Francisco Field Office Special Agent in Charge Shawn Bradstreet, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper made the announcement.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Gilliam also sentenced Patterson to a 10-year period of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody to begin serving his sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah P. Ross is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the USSS, ATF, Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Brentwood, Concord and Walnut Creek Police Departments, and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

43-year-old man arrested for Walnut Creek double murder

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Two adult women victims discovered inside residence knew 43-year-old Howard Wang

By Sgt. Mike Watson, Walnut Creek Police

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at approximately 11:45PM, Walnut Creek Police officers responded to a 911 call reporting a disturbance with possible gunfire in the 100 block of Kelobra Court. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult women deceased inside the residence.

Following the initial investigation, on Sept. 19th, an adult male – Howard Chen Hao Wang, 43-year-old resident of Walnut Creek (born 4/21/1982), who was known to both victims – was taken into custody. He was charged with two counts of 187 P.C. Murder, is currently booked at the Martinez Detention Facility and is being held without bail.

At this time, investigators do not believe there are any outstanding suspects and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to public safety. This investigation remains active, and no additional details are available for release.

The Walnut Creek Police Department would like to thank the Concord Police Department and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff for their assistance in this investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Walnut Creek Police Department at (925) 943-5844 or provide information anonymously through the tip line at (925) 943-5865. Case # 25-29002

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 183-pound Wang has his next court appearance in Superior Court, Dept. 5 in Martinez at on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on Jan. 7, 2023 by Walnut Creek Police for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse, removing, destroying or  damaging a wireless communication device to prevent summoning assistance or law enforcement. He was previously arrested in November 2014 by Coalinga CHP for driving with a suspended license, a restricted view and speed over 70 MPH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Bay Point, Concord men arrested, charged with attempted murder for shooting of 3 in Concord parking garage

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31-year-old Justino Lopez-Perez held on $2.3 million bail, 23-year-old Erickson Melendez arrested last year for violent crimes held on $750K bail; third suspect also arrested

By Concord Police Department

As previously reported, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, shortly after 10:20 PM, three gunshot wound victims arrived at John Muir Medical Center in Concord and reported they were shot while in a parking garage in the 2000 block of Salvio Street in downtown Concord. Patrol officers responded and descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle were developed. These descriptions were shared with area law enforcement agencies. Just over an hour later, deputies from the Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff located the suspect vehicle. From that stop, two occupants were detained and arrested. Detectives from the Investigations Division were called to take over the investigation and continue following up on leads throughout the night and the next day.

On Wednesday, at about 6:30 PM, a third suspect was arrested in relation to the shooting. During the arrest and subsequent search, evidence related to the shooting was found. On Thursday, the Contra Costa County, District Attorney’s Office filed charges related to the shooting.

The following two men were charged with the shooting: Justino Lopez-Perez (31 years old, resident of Bay Point, born 11/16/1993) was charged with 664/187 PC- Attempted murder, 182(a)(1) PC- Conspiracy, 26100(c) PC- Discharge a firearm from a vehicle, 245(b) PC-Assault with a firearm, and use of a firearm enhancements. Erickson Adoni Melendez (23 years old, resident of Concord, born 6/2/2002) was charged with 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy and 26100(c) PC- Discharge a firearm from a vehicle.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, eight-inch tall, 143-pound Lopez-Perez is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $2.3 million bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:35 p.m. in Dept. 5, Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Melendez was also arrested on Sept. 15, 2024, by Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, 10-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is also being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $750,000 bail. He has the same court appearance date, time and location as Lopez-Perez.

We would like to thank the deputies from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, staff at John Muir Hospital, and community members who supported and assisted in this investigation. The three men who were shot were treated at area hospitals and are expected to survive. If you have any information about this incident, please contact Detective Enrique Espino at (925) 671-3426.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

18-year-old Martinez man charged with attempted enticement, coercion of a minor

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Joel Lawrence Benitzhar faces maximum sentence of life in prison, $250,000 fine

By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – A criminal complaint was unsealed on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, charging Joel Lawrence Benitzhar with the federal crime of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor victim to engage in illegal sexual conduct.  Benitzhar was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal district court in Oakland this morning.

According to the criminal complaint and court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip from a popular social media platform that an account, later determined to be associated with Benitzhar, 18, of Martinez, California, contained possible enticement and coercion of at least nine potential minor victims.

The complaint alleges that in chat messages with Minor Victim 1, Benitzhar claimed to have “traded CP” (i.e., child pornography), had sexual intercourse with the minor victim, and arranged to meet up with the minor victim in January 2025.  Benitzhar is also alleged to have messaged another social media user that he met with a 14-year-old girl in real life.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Brannigan made the announcement.

Benitzhar is currently in federal custody.  Benitzhar was next scheduled to appeare in district court on Sept. 16, 2025, for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Kang.

A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of $250,000 for the charge of attempted enticement and coercion of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b).  Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly I. Volkar is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James and Yenni Weinberg.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the FBI, HSI, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, and the Walnut Creek Police Department, with assistance from the Martinez Police Department.

Anyone who has information relevant to this case can report it by contacting the FBI at (415) 553-7400 or tips.fbi.gov.

Pros and Cons of Proposition 50 events Sept 30, Oct 2 & 9

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Under Proposition 50, five Republican-held congressional districts would shift to become more Democratic, based on presidential election results from 2024. Kamala Harris (D) would have won three—District 1, District 3, and District 41—with margins above 10%. District 48 would lean Democratic, with a margin of 3%. District 22 would have shifted four percentage points toward Democrats; however, Donald Trump (R) would have won the district with a margin of 2%. The table above provides additional information about these five districts. Source: Ballotpedia

Presented in Concord, Antioch, San Ramon and online by League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley

Learn the Pros and Cons of Proposition 50, the Election Rigging Response Act, a temporary redistricting measure on the statewide election scheduled for November 4. The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will sponsor three in-person events and one online session for the public to hear arguments and funding for and against the measure, which has potential nationwide impact.

Ballots will be mailed October 6.

Proposed new California Congressional District 10 map if Prop. 50 passes. Source: California State Assembly Elections Committee AB604

Background

Proposition 50 was a response by Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature to Texas Legislature’s recent mid-cycle redistricting. But the California ballot measure was approved and signed into law on Aug. 21 before Texas’ new congressional district were approved on Aug. 29, which was done in response to a lawsuit by the Biden Administration’s Department of Justice.

According to a report by Democracy Docket, the lawsuit was “filed in 2021 by the DOJ under the Biden administration that alleged the state’s new redistricting plans drawn with 2020 census data violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act because they ignored the Lone Star State’s growing minority population and instead diluted the voting strength of voters. The lawsuit was later consolidated with several other similar lawsuits.”

Proposed new California Congressional District 9 map if Prop. 50 passes. Source: California State Assembly Elections Committee AB604

While in March the Trump Administration’s DOJ “dropped its claims against Texas that its…state legislative and congressional maps violate the Voting Rights Act, litigation is ongoing, with a coalition of pro-voting groups — including the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project, Mi Familia Vota and others — continuing their legal efforts for fair maps in Texas.”

Later, according to a July 15th report by Politico, President Trump told reporters he wanted Texas to attain five additional Republican congressional seats in the 2026 election through redistricting, in order to maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Proposed new California Congressional District 8 map if Prop. 50 passes. Source: California State Assembly Elections Committee AB604

According to the LWV, “The California measure’s stated intent is to counteract Texas’ actions and help ensure that the 2026 U.S. mid-term elections are conducted on a level playing field, without an unfair advantage for either party.” While California’s Prop 50 puts the decision in the hands of California voters the new district lines were drawn and approved by the Democrats in the state legislature and Governor Newsom.

UPDATE: Unlike California’s redistricting requirements included in Article 21, Section 2 of the state’s constitution which, by a vote of the people, mandated the creation of the independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw district lines each decade following the Census, according to the State of Texas redistricting website, “No Texas constitutional or statutory provisions address congressional redistricting…Unlike legislative redistricting, congressional redistricting does not come within the authority of the Legislative Redistricting Board if the legislature fails to enact a valid plan during the regular session that is meeting when the decennial census is published. The issue may be taken up in a subsequent special session of the legislature or, if the legislature fails to enact a congressional plan or if the governor does not call a special session, the districts may ultimately be drawn by a state or federal district court.” So, the Texas legislature is responsible for redrawing congressional district lines to create new maps.

California voters will decide in November whether or not to confirm the proposed, new Congressional district maps for our state.

See Prop. 50 proposed Congressional Districts Map.

See current maps drawn by Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Source: Ballotpedia

Event Details: 

Events are free to the public. Registration is appreciated.

Tuesday, September 30, 6:00– 7:00 p.m. – Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord.  To RSVP for this event, email marion@lwvdv.org.

Thursday, October 2, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Genesis Church, 1800 Woodland Drive, Antioch.  RSVP for this event.  To RSVP for this event, email marion@lwvdv.org

Thursday, October 2, 7:00 – 8:00 pm – Dougherty Station Library, 17017 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon.  Register for this event.

Thursday, October 9, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Virtual; this event will have simultaneous Spanish translation and will be recorded for future viewing online. Registration is required to receive the link. Register for this event.

For more information, contact janet@lwvdv.org.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.  We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state and national levels. For more information visit www.lwvdv.org.

Gail Murray and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA Becton issues statement on Antioch, Pittsburg police corruption cases

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On September 18th, 2025, a federal jury in Oakland, CA found a former Antioch police officer guilty of conspiracy against rights, marking another step toward accountability in a painful chapter for Antioch and Pittsburg. (See related article) (See related article)

This case is part of a broader investigation that began in 2021 into misconduct by several officers entrusted to protect the public, including actions that fall under the broad category of crimes involving moral turpitude.

When a law is broken—especially by those sworn to enforce it—it is not just a legal violation, but an offense against the entire community. That is why in every criminal case, the District Attorney represents The People of the State of California. The harm caused by these individuals was felt by the public at large, and it is our duty and responsibility to pursue justice on behalf of all those affected.

I am grateful to our federal partners, our state and local investigators, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on these cases on behalf of the residents of Antioch and Pittsburg. Thanks to these combined efforts, both cities have begun to rebuild trust and take meaningful steps toward restoring integrity in their public institutions. These efforts are crucial to ensuring safer, more just communities for all. Our office remains firmly committed to that mission.

Diana Becton

District Attorney, Contra Costa County

13th Heart of Oakley Festival Saturday, Sept. 20

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Music, dance, food, vendor booths and more!

By City of Oakley Recreation Department

We are excited to celebrate our 13th Heart of Oakley Festival happening on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11AM to 4PM in Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street from Vintage Parkway to Norcross!

Heart of Oakley Festival is an annual open-air market that brings local makers, food trucks, non-profits, families, and community members together. Join us as we highlight local businesses and community members during this exciting event!

This year Project 4 Band takes the stage with local dance groups throughout the day. The beer garden will be operated by local non-profit East County All Star Fundraising. Additionally, we will have a FREE trackless train, a mechanical bull, and an inflatable mini golf game for families to enjoy. Join us as we highlight local businesses and community members during this exciting event!

Check out our stage schedule:

10:50am: Studio 55 Ukulele

11:05am: Jabris Rucker Children’s Dance

11:20am: Project 4 Band

12:05pm: Brentwood Blaze Cheer

12:20pm: Step 2 This Dance

12:35pm: Project 4 Band

1:30pm: Stepz Dance Fitness Studio

1:45pm: East County Performing Arts

2:00pm: Project 4 Band

3:00pm: Ballet Folklorico Jaracue

3:15pm: Hiphop-Natyam Dance Academy

3:30pm: Freedom High School Band

Wondering where to park for Heart of Oakley tomorrow?
Parking Lot #1 – Oakley Mercantile Lot
Parking Lot #2 – Oakley Elementary School Lot

2024 Brentwood armed robbery suspects face 13-, 7-year prison sentences

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Following the crash of the suspects’ car, Orey Douglas was arrested, and a gun was recovered on August 4, 2024. Photos: Brentwood PD

28-year-old Orey Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Gray of Oakley

Douglas has a history of arrests since 2014 for murder, corporal injury, assault, sex with a minor, vehicle theft, false imprisonment, more

By Brentwood Police Department

On August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery that occurred at 50 Sand Creek Road. The victim reported being robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, identified as 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Donte Gray of Oakley (born 11-10-85). After both suspects were identified they were placed under arrest and charges were filed.

As previously reported, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market, Douglas was arrested that night and Gray remained at large until he was arrested on August 8, 2024. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges.

On March 3, 2025, the suspectswere found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.

As of early this month, Gray will serve a 13-year prison sentence and Douglas will serve a 7-year prison sentence.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and was held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.

This case was a collaborative effort with our officers, Detectives, along with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. We are pleased this investigation has resulted in sentencing, and we commend the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this case forward.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.