Contra Costa Herald

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

Martinez woman arrested, charged for stabbing daughter to death

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36-year-old Brittney Kazee suspected of killing 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee

Held on $2 million bail

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

Martinez, California – A Martinez woman has been charged with murder after stabbing her daughter, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced today, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.

36-year-old Brittney Evanna Kazee (born 6/10/1989) faces one felony count of murder [PC 187(a)] with a deadly

weapon enhancement for using a knife in the commission of the offense [PC 12022(b)(1)].

Kazee was arrested on November 18, 2025, by Martinez Police after officers responded to a report of an altercation between two females at an apartment complex on the 100 block of Fig Tree Lane around 1:40 p.m.

One of the females, identified as 19-year-old Shaniyah Kazee, was found unconscious with a wound to her stomach area when officers arrived. She was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Brittney Kazee is set to be arraigned on charges on November 24th at 1:30 pm in Martinez. She currently remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, two-inch tall, 152-pound suspect is listed as Black and being held on $2 million bail.

More details of the incident are provided in a KRON 4 News report.

Case No. 01-25-04149 | The People of the State of California v. Brittney Evanna Kazee

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill Holiday Theft Suppression begins! 16 people arrested for retail theft

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Four of the 16 individuals arrested for retail theft in Pleasant Hill. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

7 adults from Concord, 2 from San Pablo, 1 each from Brentwood, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond & Vallejo and 2 juvies from Berkeley

Many have histories of arrest, some as many as 10 to 21 times

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

As we’ve entered the holiday shopping season, we continued our special theft suppression enforcement efforts with local retailers throughout the city. Officers worked together with loss prevention to arrest 16 people in two evening operations occurring within the last week. Those who qualified under new laws have had formal charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office related to these operations. All other cases will be sent to the district attorney for review. Two juvenile arrests (residents of Berkeley) were not included below.

Many have histories of arrest, some as many as 10, 17 and 21 times.

Stolen items, a knife and tools used in the retail thefts seized by police during the operation. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Juis Lara 37 – Brentwood – According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of nine arrests since 2018 for drugs, burglary and more.

Margarita Bravo 38 –Concord

Rosalinda Leach 37 – Concord – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 11 arrests since 2021 for vehicle theft, hit-and-run, grand theft, using stolen ID’s, check fraud, drugs and more.

Jose Navarro 46 – Concord

Johan Omar-Matchusa 25 – Concord

Alexis Pellette 34 – Concord – According to localcrimenews.com, an Alexis Coquette Pellette was previously arrested three times, once for assault and twice for assault with a deadly weapon.

Clara Sanchez 35 –Concord

Maria Rogel 35 – Concord

Christina Mendivil 47 – Pittsburg – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 10 arrests since 2014 for child cruelty, vehicle theft, petty theft, receiving stolen property, drugs and more.

Daniel Garcia-Vasquez 28 – Pleasant Hill – According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested in 2022 for possession of burglar’s tools and drugs.

Stacie Gaskins 47 – Richmond – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 20 arrests since 2015 for vehicle theft, grand theft, burglary, robbery, shoplifting, theft, petty theft, forgery, forged driver’s license or ID, using stolen ID, driving without a license, trespassing, drugs and more.

Devoreah Allen 27 – San Pablo

Kendra Timmons 57 – San Pablo – According to localcrimenews.com, she has a history of 17 arrests since 2013 for robbery, burglary, grand theft, shoplifting, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, addict in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of tear gas, forgery, using stolen ID, check fraud, drugs and more.

Jade Hill 20 – Vallejo

These holiday theft-suppression operations will continue throughout the holiday season. Would be grinches beware, we will be on high alert to protect our retail partners and community members.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakland couple arrested for Walnut Creek carjacking, armed robberies in Antioch, Pittsburg, El Sobrante

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One of the two suspects arrested for carjacking and armed robberies. Photo source: Walnut Creek PD

Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakland PD’s, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office assist

Both of history of arrests: Julio Villalobos held on no bail, Britney Zuniga held on $850,000 bail

By Walnut Creek Police Department

On October 20, 2025, at approximately 2:20 pm, a victim called WCPD dispatch to report that his work vehicle had just been stolen. The victim described two suspects driving a grey Dodge Challenger. A short time later, an armed carjacking was reported at 1805 Ygnacio Valley Blvd. with the same vehicle and suspect description. At the time of the call, no suspects were taken into custody.

It was quickly learned that these suspects had committed three additional armed robberies in the City of Pittsburg, the City of Antioch, and the City of El Sobrante. With the collaborative help of Antioch PD, Pittsburg PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, and the Oakland Police Department, Julio Angel Villalobos, a 21-year-old (born 11/4/2004) and Britney Ashanti Zuniga, a 23-year-old (born 9/6/2002), both residents of Oakland, were safely taken into custody. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office filed 11 felony counts for Villalobos and seven felony counts for Zuniga.

Thanks to our partners in law enforcement for their assistance in the successful arrest and filing of charges against these violent criminals.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 185-pound Villalobos is being held in the Matinez Detention Facility on no bail and has a court appearance on Dec. 9, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested six times, all in 2023, by Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and Oakland PD for crimes including burglary, vandalism of $5,000 or more and attempting to or escaping from jail, prison or an industrial road camp, court jurisdiction of child for parental neglect, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, vehicle theft, possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place, carry a concealed pistol, revolver or other firearm on a person, possession or control of firearm before age 30 when person has been a ward of the juvenile court, trespassing, vehicle robbery and carjacking.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 130-pound Zuniga is in the West County Detention Facility on $850,000 bail and has a court appearance on Nov. 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Zuniga was previously arrested three times by San Jose and Oakland PD’s, for crimes including assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and threats of violence.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Concord Police implement Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program

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Photos: Concord PD

Deployed from strategically placed launch sites across the city

By Concord Police Department

Since 2021, the Concord Police Department has successfully used drone technology to enhance community safety, assist officers in the field and provide real-time support during critical incidents.

Now, we’re taking the next step forward in public safety with the Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program — a groundbreaking initiative that helps officers respond faster, smarter, and safer.

From strategically placed launch sites across the city, trained pilots can deploy drones within seconds of certain 911 calls. These drones stream live aerial video, giving officers the information they need to make quick, informed decisions — leading to faster response times and safer outcomes for our community.

Each flight operates under strict FAA regulations and department policies to ensure transparency, accountability, and privacy protection.

Over the next several weeks, Concord PD will begin implementing the DFR program, preparing for full deployment in the near future.

The DFR program represents the next chapter in our ongoing commitment to innovation and community safety — because keeping Concord safe is our top priority.

Concord PD’s K9 Rico finds hidden firearm after foot pursuit

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Concord Police K9 Rico with the confiscated gun and magazine. Photo: Concord PD

By Concord Police Department

Recently, officers from a neighboring agency pursued a suspect who was believed to be armed. After the suspect was safely taken into custody, officers requested assistance from our K9 team to search the area for any discarded evidence.

K9 Rico, who is specially trained in locating firearms, tracked the suspect’s path and located a loaded handgun with an extended magazine hidden between some tires near where the suspect was arrested.

Great work by K9 Rico and his handler for helping ensure our community stays safe!

Mt. Diablo High School football field restored with $250,000 from Las Vegas Raiders

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The restored Mt. Diablo High School football field with new logo. Photo: MDUSD

Fire started by illegal fireworks melted artificial turf

By Mt. Diablo Unified School District

The Mt. Diablo High School football team played its latest home game on a fully restored home field that has been returned to its previous state-of-the-art condition less than two months after a destructive fire that was started by illegal fireworks melted the artificial turf, forcing the Red Devils to play their first three home games off site.

The team and Mt. Diablo Unified School District are deeply grateful to the Las Vegas Raiders, who pledged a donation of $250,000 to assist with the cost of restoring the field, after learning of the fire and needed repairs.

“As a lifelong Raiders fan and past season ticket holder, I couldn’t be more pleased with their generous contribution,” said MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark. “The Mt. Diablo High School student body, alumni and community deserve a learning environment that they can be proud of. With the help of Mark Davis, owner of the Raiders, we have restored the field to its original state!”

Although the turf was repaired last month, the Mt. Diablo High School logo was installed more recently this month, because it had to be special-ordered. Since that installation, the team has played several “away” games.

The team was excited to play on its completely restored home field for its “Homecoming” game on Friday, Oct. 31, as it hosted cross-town MDUSD competitors, the Ygnacio Valley High School Wolves.

The Raiders’ donation will cover the cost of the insurance deductible, which the District would have had to pay out of its own funds toward the total repair costs of nearly $350,000.

Mt. Diablo High School is located at 2450 Grant Street in Concord, CA.

Danville teacher from Concord convicted of sex crimes against minors

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Nicholas Brandon Moseby. Photo source: The Rob Harvey on Facebook

Allows a judge to impose longer sentence

Previously convicted of the same crimes, 41-year-old Nicholas Brandon Moseby also worked as cheerleader instructor in San Ramon

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

Martinez, California – A Contra Costa County jury today found that aggravating circumstances applied in the case of Nicholas Brandon Moseby, a former middle school teacher and cheerleading instructor previously convicted of sex crimes against minors.

The 41-year-old Concord man was found guilty on October 17th, 2025, following the first phase of his bifurcated trial. The convictions included one felony count of lewd acts upon a child, one felony count of distributing or showing pornography to a minor, and three misdemeanor counts involving child molestation and sexual battery. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on one felony count of committing a lewd act upon a child, while Moseby was found not guilty on a separate charge of the same offense.

In the second phase of the trial today, the jury determined that the following aggravating factors applied to Moseby’s conviction:

  • The victim was particularly vulnerable
  • The crimes demonstrated planning and sophistication
  • He exploited a position of trust to commit the offenses

The jury did not reach agreement on whether Moseby’s prior convictions showed a pattern of increasing seriousness, and Judge John W. Kennedy declared a mistrial on that specific factor.

These true findings by the jury will allow a judge to impose a longer sentence when Moseby appears for sentencing at 8:30 a.m. on December 19th at the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez.

The case originated in September 2022 when a minor victim reported incidents to authorities. Following an investigation by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, additional victims came forward. Moseby was arrested on September 14, 2022, and charged two days later, after he reportedly sent a girl videos on Snapchat showing himself masturbating and the parents of his victim reported to police.  Deputy District Attorney Jessica Murad prosecuted the case.

At the time of his arrest, Moseby was employed as a biology teacher at Diablo Vista Middle School in Danville and as a cheerleading instructor at Nor Cal Elites in San Ramon. (See related article)

“The victims have traveled a long road to justice,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “This jury’s verdict opens a path toward healing from the trauma — not only for the victims, but for the

broader community as well.”

Case Number: 01-22-01583 | The People of the State of California v. Nicholas Brandon Moseby

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Pleasant Hill church holds free Trunk or Treat event for special needs children

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Photos: Bay Area Christian Church

By Olivia Brunell

This past Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, Bay Area Christian Church hosted a free Trunk or Treat event in Pleasant Hill designed to be inclusive of kids and families with special needs.

Children with disabilities often experience higher loneliness and barriers to participating in community activities. This event was inspired by the church’s commitment to inclusion and creating experiences where children of all abilities can enjoy the fun of trick-or-treating.

Each location featured decorated trunks, costumes, candy, games and community connection — all in a safe environment offering sensory-friendly spaces, trained volunteers, and accessible layouts so everyone can participate.

Overall turnout across the five locations was more than 1,300, with 336 people coming to the Pleasant Hill Location.

Bay Area Christian Church is located at 320 Civic Drive in Pleasant Hill. For more information visit https://bacc.cc/location/pleasant-hill/.

Walnut Creek residential burglary duo arrested, charged

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Screenshots of surveillance video show Jeremy Arellano and Rae Mone during the residential burglary of a Walnut Creek home in September. Both Mones (right) and Arellano were arrested on Oct. 21. Source & photo by Walnut Creek PD

Community assistance leads to identification of Concord man and Oakland woman with history of arrests

By Walnut Creek Police Department

On Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, a residential burglary occurred in the area of Citrus Avene and Perada Drive. We requested the community’s help in identifying the two suspects involved in the burglary.

Thanks to the community’s assistance in identifying the suspects, as of Tuesday, Oct. 21, both individuals have been taken into custody. We appreciate your help!

On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed 459 PC- Residential Burglary charges against Jeremy S. Arellano, a 36-year-old resident of Concord, and Rae Lynne Mones, a 47-year-old resident of Oakland (born 3/4/78) in relation to the Perada Drive and Citrus Avenue residential burglary.

Mones was charged with being an addict in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of an assault weapon, possession of a silencer, buying, selling or possession of a firearm without identification numbers and an unspecified offense.

Once again, we would like to thank the community for their overwhelming support in assisting with the suspects identification.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, seven inch tall, 175-pound Mones is Hispanic, but also listed as white. She is being held in the West County Detention Facility on $51,500 bail and her next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Mones has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by multiple agencies including Martinez and San Pablo PD and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department. She was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of burglar’s tools, possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia, lying to police, receiving or concealing stolen property, driving while license is suspended, unlawful use of willfully obtained personal identifying information, addict in possession of firearm, possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit a crime, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and possession of personal identifying information of another person with intent to defraud.

According to localcrimenews.com, Arellano was also arrested on June 5 by Walnut Creek Police for taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and on Oct. 3 by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department on a warrants or holds only.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.