Contra Costa Herald

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

Contra Costa DA reaches filing decision in 2022 Oakley woman Alexis Gabe’s murder

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Alexis Gabe from her missing poster in 2022.

Insufficient evidence to prove suspect’s mother acted as accessory after the fact

No gunshot residue on Gabe’s clothing

Oakley, Antioch Police Departments investigated

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer to the Contra Costa County District Attorney

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office reached a filing decision on an accessory after the fact charge in the case of the Alexis Gabe murder in 2022. Below is a press release and the complaint that was filed in 2022 against the suspect, Marshall Curtis Jones, III.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has concluded its investigation into whether the mother of Marshall Curtis Jones, III acted as an accessory after the fact in connection with the death of Alexis Gabe in January 2022. (See related article)

Since the May 26, 2022, charging of Marshall Curtis Jones with the first-degree murder of Alexis Gabe, and Jones’ subsequent death while law enforcement was serving him a warrant in Washington State on June 1st of the same year, the District Attorney’s Office remained committed to investigating all possible avenues of criminal liability. This commitment included evaluating whether any individual, including Jones’s mother, Alicia Coleman-Clark could bear criminal liability for actions taken after the crime.

Following a detailed meeting with Alexis Gabe’s family in December 2024, the District Attorney’s Office, along with the Oakley and Antioch Police Departments, pursued additional investigative leads. These efforts included:

1. Forensic Examination of Recovered Clothing: Additional forensic analysis of a shirt recovered with Alexis Gabe’s remains was conducted to determine the presence of gunshot residue (GSR). The results found no evidence of gunshot residue or any indication that the shirt had been penetrated by gunfire – which is consistent with prior forensic findings.

2. Investigation of a Second Plastic Bag: While a second plastic bag with Alexis’s remains was recovered by search and rescue personnel in Amador County, that second bag was not with the remains sent to California State University, Chico for forensic testing. While no identifiable DNA was found on the first recovered bag, law enforcement pursued the whereabouts of the second plastic bag. After an exhaustive effort by Antioch and Oakley Police to determine its whereabouts, law enforcement confirmed to the District Attorney’s Office the bag was never provided to any local law enforcement agency. As such, there is no second bag to test for the presence of a contributor’s DNA.

3. Re-interview of Alicia Coleman-Clark’s Former Boyfriend: Investigators conducted a follow-up interview with Ms. Coleman-Clark’s former boyfriend to clarify prior statements he made to law enforcement in 2022. He reiterated that a reference made by Coleman-Clark to something “cold” related to a soda can and not to Alexis Gabe’s remains. His account is consistent with his prior statements, and no evidence has been found to contradict his explanation regarding a cold soda can.

4. Search of Flight Purchase Records: Investigators obtained a warrant to search airline ticket purchase records for Marshall Jones’ flight to Seattle, Washington in February 2022 to determine whether Ms. Coleman-Clark had facilitated the purchase. The records obtained did not indicate any purchase activity involving Coleman-Clark. It appears the flight was arranged through a third-party vendor — and no further purchase details have been identified by law enforcement.

Legal Determination

The District Attorney’s Office determined that while some information raised suspicion about Alicia Coleman-Clark’s potential culpability as an accessory after the fact under Penal Code Section 32, there are plausible alternative explanations that point against her guilt under the same statute.

Therefore, after a thorough review of the totality of the evidence, the District Attorney’s Office has concluded there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the elements required to charge that Alicia Coleman-Clark acted as an accessory after the fact under Penal Code Section 32.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Gabe family for the unimaginable loss of Alexis. Our office has worked tirelessly over the past three years to pursue every lead,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “While we have concluded our investigation into this matter, we remain committed to supporting the Gabe family.”

 

Antique unexploded military munitions found in Pleasant Hill home

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Walnut Creek PD Bomb Squad, Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assist

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at about 1:27 p.m., Pleasant Hill Police officers were called to a residence in the 1700 block of Shirley Drive, after a person reported finding a box containing antique unexploded military ordnance and immediately notified police.

The Walnut Creek Police Department’s Bomb Squad and personnel from the U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Travis AFB responded to assess and assist in the safe removal and disposal of the materials. Con Fire personnel were also on site.

There was no threat to the general public.

As of 6:00 p.m. all explosives were removed, and the scene was cleared. There is no active criminal investigation associated with this matter.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

New leadership and historic milestones for Contra Costa Board of Supervisors

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(L-R) New District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston joined District 3 Supervisor Ken Carlson, re-elected District 2 Supervisor and Board Chair Candace Andersen, re-elected District 3 Supervisor and Vice-Chair Diane Burgis, and District 1 Supervisor John Gioia. Photo: Contra Costa County

Scales-Preston first African American woman elected to the Board

Re-elected Andersen, Burgis elected Chair, Vice Chair

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors convened its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new era of County leadership and milestones. District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen was sworn in as Chair, and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis became Vice-Chair. Additionally, Shanelle Scales-Preston took the Oath of Office as the new District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board. Supervisor Andersen represents Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Diablo, Parkmead, Saranap and the Tassajara Valley. She was first elected to the Board in June 2012 and was most recently reelected in March 2024. Chair Andersen serves on 28 local and regional boards and commissions, addressing planning, land use, transportation, pensions, mental health, healthcare, reuse and recycling, economic development, and public safety. “Community safety, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that all residents have a good quality of life are at the heart of my work. I am honored to serve as Chair and remain dedicated to ensuring County programs and services reflect our residents’ values and aspirations for a thriving future,” said Supervisor Andersen. Supervisor Burgis serves the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Oakley. She was first elected to the Board in 2016 and most recently reelected in 2024. She serves on over 30 Board and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, Internal Operations Committee, and the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee. As Chair of California’s Delta Protection Commission, she also represents the Commission on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council. “This year I want to continue enhancing public safety by strengthening fire protection and law enforcement coverage, ensuring our communities feel secure and supported,” Supervisor Burgis said. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and we are prioritizing addressing homelessness and the housing affordability crisis. I am also committed to bringing more services and jobs to East County, where our population is growing the fastest.” In a groundbreaking moment, Shanelle Scales-Preston was sworn in as District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board of Supervisors. Her district includes Alhambra Valley, Antioch (North), Bay Point, Briones, Clyde, Concord (North), Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Mt. View, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Port Costa, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey and Vine Hill. She succeeds former Supervisor Federal D. Glover, who chose not to run for a seventh term. Scales-Preston was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018 and served as Mayor in 2023. She is Chair of the Board for Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a local electricity provider. “This moment is about building bridges—bridges to equity, community safety, economic opportunity, and a brighter future for all,” said Supervisor Scales-Preston. “Together, we will strive to ensure that every voice is heard, every neighborhood thrives, and every family has the opportunity to succeed.” Supervisors Andersen and Burgis will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of County government and oversees its $5.9 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of the diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating. For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9970/Board-of-Supervisors. For more information about Supervisor Candace Andersen, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4668/District-2-Supervisor-Candace-Andersen. For more information about Supervisor Diane Burgis, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6437/District-3-Supervisor-Diane-Burgis. For more information about Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/781/District-5-Supervisor-Scales-Preston.

Your input needed: Help shape Contra Costa’s transportation future

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Source: CCTA

Be entered to win a $100 gift card

By Mike Blasky, CCTA Communications

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is inviting residents to provide feedback on the future of transportation in the county through the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) survey. This plan will guide improvements for roads, public transit, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and more. Your input is vital to creating a safer, more connected, and sustainable transportation system for everyone.

Take the Survey Today: [Countywide Transportation Plan – Survey]

Don’t miss your chance to help shape the way Contra Costa moves—every voice matters!

Brentwood Police to hold Town Hall Meeting on Prop. 36 and organized retail theft Jan. 30

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If you’re interested in learning more about Proposition 36 and efforts to address organized retail theft, we invite you to join us at our next Town Hall Meeting:

Date: Thursday, January 30th, Location: Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.

This is a great opportunity to engage with the Brentwood Police Department, learn about these critical topics, and ask questions.

Sept. shooting at Fairgrounds leads to arrest of Pittsburg man for multiple weapons violations

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Weapons confiscated from the suspect by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies on Friday, Jan. 2, 2025. Photos CCCSheriff

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

On Thursday, January 2, 2025, detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff served a search warrant at a residence in Pittsburg. It was part of a continuing investigation into a shooting that occurred at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch on September 16, 2024, where two suspects shot a person during an argument. Detectives found one of them used an illegally manufactured gun in the shooting.

Detectives identified the suspect who was apparently illegally making guns, including assault weapons, as well as illegally selling them. During the search of the suspect’s home, detectives found assault weapons as well as a short barrel rifle. Some of the weapons seized did not have serial numbers. The weapons will be tested to see if they are linked to any shooting or crimes.

The suspect is identified as 27-year-old Diego A. Vasquez-Gomez of Pittsburg. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges that include manufacturing of a short barrel gun, manufacturing and selling of an assault weapon, illegal possession of an assault weapon, unlicensed transfer of a firearm and child endangerment.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600. For any tips, email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call (866) 846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

Following high-speed pursuit of stolen car on Hwy 4 two Antioch men arrested for Dublin robbery

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Source: Oakley PD

From Oakley to Hercules; with help from Contra Costa Sheriff’s helicopter, CHP

Kalil Houston still in custody on $70,000 bail, Isaiah J. Mitchell bonded out

By Oakley Police Department

On January 10, 2025, at 9:44PM, Oakley Police Officer F. Williams was on patrol on Main Street near Bridgehead Road. Officer Williams saw a gray Honda Accord with a license plate reported as lost or stolen and belonging on a Lexus. It was also made known to Officer Williams the same Honda with the same license plate had been used during a robbery in Dublin. Officer Williams was joined by Officer R. Hernandez and they attempted to stop the Honda, but it fled at a high rate of speed onto westbound Highway 4. Officers Williams and Hernandez initiated a pursuit and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff helicopter (STARR) was in the area within a few minutes.

The suspect continued to flee travelling westbound on Highway 4 reaching very high speeds at times. The pursuit continued for several minutes. Due to the nexus of this vehicle to violent crimes, our officers remained engaged in the pursuit all the way to the City of Hercules. The pursuit ultimately ended in the 1900 block of Railroad Avenue when the driver, identified as Kalil Houston (male, 20, Antioch, born 7/6/04) foot bailed from the vehicle. The passenger, identified as Isaiah J. Mitchell (male, 21, Antioch), remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody immediately. Our officers later caught Houston as he was trying to flee the area and took him into custody as well.

Pursuits by their very nature are dangerous and police agencies diligently assess the need to continue them when they occur. Every decision made in a pursuit weighs the seriousness of the incident versus the public’s safety. When a vehicle is associated with a crime(s) of violence, it becomes more critical to apprehend the violator(s).

Our officers found several stolen license plates and a blank key fob in the possession of Houston and Mitchell and fired shell casings could also be seen inside the vehicle. The Honda was towed to be examined for evidence.

During this pursuit, a Black Ford Mustang started pacing our officers, even at the high speeds that were reached, turned its lights off, and tried to block our officers. The driver of the black Mustang intentionally interfered with our officers and placed our officers in a great degree of danger. Our officers will be doing additional follow-up in an attempt to identify the driver of the Mustang.

Houston and Mitchell were both booked into jail for crimes associated with possession of stolen property, conspiracy and felony evading. The Oakley Police Department will be working with the Dublin Police Department in regards to the robbery that occurred in Dublin.

Chief Beard said of this incident, “It does appear as if Houston and Mitchell were going to continue the destructive and violent behavior their vehicle had already previously been involved in. The action of fleeing at high speeds, the propensity to work in concert with others against police officers, having stolen license plates and spent shell casings is not a good look in any scenario. It is my concern a crime of violence was going to be perpetrated against an innocent person(s) in Oakley. I appreciate and respect Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez for keeping the residents of Oakley safe. Officers from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol and the Hercules Police Department all assisted Officers Williams and Hernandez during this incident, and I extend a personal thank you to each of them.

“The experiences of Officer Williams and Officer Hernandez in this investigation underscores the risks American peace officers face everyday. I am grateful for the service of all peace officers who stand between those who wish to do harm and the rest of society and I am honored to be associated with them.

Stay safe Oakley!”

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch, 175-pound Houston is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $70,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m. in Delta Superior Court in Pittsburg.

Also, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Mitchell is Black and as of Jan. 11th, he bonded out of custody. According to localcrimenews.com, Mitchell was arrested on Dec. 22, 2021, by Antioch Police for vandalism – property damage.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakley man with priors arrested for stealing shoes from Brentwood store

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Charged with felony thanks to passage of Prop. 36

By Brentwood Police Department

On the evening of Sunday, January 12, 2025, around 9 PM, BPD officers responded to a call to a business at the 5500 block of Lone Tree Way regarding a suspect who had stolen shoes from the store.

Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Don Cornell Capers from Oakley (born 4/5/86), attempting to flee in a getaway vehicle. Capers was quickly taken into custody with the assistance of a second BPD officer who had just shown up while Capers was attempting to get into the vehicle.

Capers, who already had a warrant for a probation violation related to his Post Release Community Supervision, also has two prior theft convictions.

As a result of the passing of Proposition 36, which elevates theft offenses for individuals with prior convictions, Capers was place under arrest with “Petty Theft with Priors”, making this incident a felony rather than a misdemeanor. He was also arrested for the warrant, evading police, and other related charges.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Capers was transferred to another facility and is in custody at the Santa Rita Jail. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 150-pound suspect is Black and has a court appearance for arraignment in Dept. 702 at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin on Jan. 22 at 8:30 a.m.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Four juveniles arrested in Oakley for armed robbery at the Streets of Brentwood

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The suspects’ gun used in the armed robbery was confiscated by Oakley Police. Photo source: Brentwood PD

By Brentwood Police Department

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at approximately 7:45 PM, a Brentwood officer patrolling the Streets of Brentwood shopping center was flagged down by security, who reported that an armed robbery had just occurred, and the suspects had fled in a vehicle.

The juvenile victim stated that he and a friend were approached by four suspects. During the confrontation, one suspect struck the victim in the face, and another suspect threatened him with a firearm, demanding his belongings. Fortunately, the victim did not sustain any injuries.

Shortly after the incident was reported, an Oakley PD officer located the suspect vehicle, conducted a traffic stop, and detained four juvenile suspects. Our officers responded to the car stop and recovered a firearm and the victim’s stolen property from the vehicle.

All four juveniles were placed under arrest for robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, and other related offenses. They were transported to Juvenile Hall for booking.

A big thank you to the Streets of Brentwood security team and the Oakley Police Department for their crucial assistance in apprehending the suspects and ensuring community safety.

 

White Pony Express launches gift card campaign to support victims of L.A. fires

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By Steve Spraitzar, Public Relations, White Pony Express

Heralded nonprofit White Pony Express (WPE) has launched a campaign to collect and distribute gift cards to the survivors of the Los Angeles fires. Gift cards will offer recipients the flexibility to address unique needs and circumstances during this challenging time. Each gift card will be accompanied by a heartfelt, hand-written message of love and support.

While many supplies are being collected and offered to those impacted by the fires, meeting specific needs—such as correct clothing size/style or food appropriate to culture and dietary requirements—can be difficult. WPE’s gift card campaign provides an adaptive, customizable solution that addresses people’s unique needs and preferences.

Says WPE CEO Eve Birge, “A gift card empowers individuals to make their own choices about what they truly need. Many people receive gift cards over the holidays they’d like to donate; others will provide practical gift cards they feel are most needed at this time. Including a heartfelt message along with the gift card is a way to share our love and solidarity.”

This is not the first time White Pony Express has aided survivors of natural disasters. In 2018, at the urging of WPE’s Founder Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, the organization sent vans full of high-quality food and clothing, along with cash donations, to help the survivors of the devastating Camp Fire. This continued for 10 months, as needs remained long after federal aid and the cameras pulled back.

Gift cards for those impacted by the Los Angeles fires can be mailed to the attention of Eve Birge or dropped off at WPE’s headquarters, 2470 Bates Ave Suite D, Concord, CA 94520. Contact WPE’s Volunteer Coordinator to learn about card-making opportunities and other volunteer projects: Volunteer@whiteponyexpress.org.

We encourage the public to spread the word about WPE’s gift card campaign to benefit those impacted by the fires in Los Angeles.

About White Pony Express (WPE): Founded in 2013 by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, WPE is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to eliminate hunger and poverty by delivering the abundance all around us to those in need—with love. WPE’s Food Rescue Program operates seven days a week, recovering a daily average of 12,000 pounds of high-quality, surplus, fresh food from over 80 local food outlets. This nutritious food is redistributed within 24 hours to 100+ nonprofit recipients who feed the hungry. Since its inception, WPE has rescued and delivered more than 27 million pounds of nutritious food—equal to 21 million meals—and prevented more than 39,000 tons of CO2 emissions from entering the air we breathe.