Contra Costa Herald

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

Suspect arrested in San Jose for 2025 murders of former El Cerrito, Fairfield high school football players

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Guardian Harper as a player for the El Cerrito High School football team. Photo source: Facebook

Following a year on the run

El Cerrito victim killed in separate incident at Bay Point house party

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Fairfield Police Department, law enforcement has taken a suspect into custody over a year after a fatal shooting in Fairfield. On August 8, 2025, officers responded to a shooting in the parking lot of 1300 W. Texas Street, where a 19-year-old Ta’Marcus Williams, a former Armijo High School football player, tragically lost his life, while sitting in a parked vehicle outside a Fairfield smoke shop.

Detectives quickly identified 20-year-old Adonnis Isiah Evans (born 9/10/2005), who raps under the stage name “Lul Dada”, as the suspect and secured an arrest warrant.

According to a Hoodline report, Williams died inside the vehicle before emergency responders arrived, and police say Evans and his girlfriend then fled south toward San Jose in a waiting Nissan. Solano County prosecutors filed murder and firearm charges against Evans on August 22, 2025.

But Evans evaded authorities for over a year. While a fugitive, he continued releasing music.

Wanted for El Cerrito Football Player’s Murder

Evans is also wanted as the primary suspect in the June 2025 killing of 18-year-old Guardian Harper at a house party in Bay Point. According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, on June 14, 2025, at 12:58 a.m., Deputies arrived on scene and found a person suffering from gunshot wounds in a front yard. Deputies immediately performed life-saving measures until the fire department and an ambulance arrived. The person, who was not identified at the time, was later pronounced deceased. Deputies learned that two other gunshot victims transported themselves to a local hospital and were being treated for non-life-threatening wounds.

According to a Pressbee report, Harper was a 2024 El Cerrito High graduate and played football at both Benicia and El Cerrito High Schools before moving on to American River College and San Francisco City College.

Earlier this week, the San Jose Police Department successfully contacted Evans and placed him under arrest. On August 21, 2026, he was transported and booked into the Solano County Jail, where he is facing charges of 187 P.C. (Murder).

According to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, six-inch tall, 125-pound Evans is Black and being held in the Justice Center Detention Facility in Fairfield on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24th at 1:30 p.m. in Fairfield Superior Court.

“We thank our law enforcement partners for their assistance in bringing him into custody,” Fairfield Police concluded in a post on their Facebook page.

Richmond fire suspect charged with three counts of murder as second child dies

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Suspect Sergio Rivera-Vega was charged with three murders of his relatives. Photo: Richmond PD

32-year-old is related to the victims

Only survivor, mother of the two children, remains in the hospital with serious injuries

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against a Richmond man accused of setting a house fire that killed three family members and critically injured a fourth.

Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega, 32, faces three counts of murder, with special enhancements tied to the deaths of an adult victim and two minor victims. A fourth victim, an adult woman, remains hospitalized with serious injuries; Rivera-Vega is charged separately with arson causing great bodily injury in connection with her injuries. All four victims are related to the suspect.

As previously reported, Richmond police and firefighters responded to a house fire in the 200 block of 15th Street on the evening of August 18th, at approximately 8:58 p.m. Detectives investigating the blaze identified Rivera-Vega as the person who intentionally set the fire. He was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on August 19th, and the investigation continued in the days that followed.

The case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review today, Friday, August 21st, and charges were filed with Contra Costa Superior Court that same day. If convicted, the enhancements attached to the murder charges would carry a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

“This fire is devastating for the entire family,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Knowing the suspect is related to the victims — including two children — makes this loss even harder to comprehend this senseless act. Our thoughts are with the family and the community affected by this tragedy. Just know that my office is committed to following the law and holding the suspect fully accountable.”

Rivera-Vega is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges on August 24th at 1:30 p.m. at the A.F. Bray Courts Building Annex in Martinez. He remains in custody in lieu of $2,500,000 bail.

Case No. 02-26-01475 | The People of the State of California v. Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega

See 02-26-01475 – Charging Document

S.F., Oakland men arrested for San Ramon armed robbery following pursuit, crash

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At apartment complex; held on $240K and $315K bail for this and other crimes, both have history of arrests

By Lt. Mike Pistello, San Ramon Police Department

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at approximately 6:49 p.m., officers from the San Ramon Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Cobblestone Apartments, located in the 3900 block of Crow Canyon Road.

The victim reported that two male suspects, both armed with handguns, assaulted him and took items of value from his person. The victim sustained minor injuries, and the suspects fled the area in a silver sedan.

Using FLOCK technology, the suspect vehicle was identified as a 2015 Hyundai Sonata bearing California license plate 7HCL742. The vehicle information was disseminated to local law enforcement agencies.

The Hyundai was subsequently located by officers from the Oakland Police Department, resulting in a vehicle pursuit. The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle crashed in the City of Oakland. Both suspects fled on foot but were apprehended by officers. They were identified as 22-year-old Isiah Sinclair Burns, Jr. of San Francisco and 27-year-old Joseph Vashonhenri Broussard of Oakland. During a search of the suspect vehicle, officers located a loaded firearm.

Burns and Broussard were subsequently booked into Santa Rita Jail by Oakland PD in relation to crimes committed within their jurisdiction.

San Ramon detectives responded to Oakland to process the vehicle for evidence. Ramey warrants were subsequently obtained for both suspects in connection with the armed robbery that occurred within San Ramon’s jurisdiction.

The San Ramon Police Department would like to thank the Oakland Police Department and California Highway Patrol for their assistance in this investigation.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall, 198-pound Burns is Black, being held on $240,000 bail for this and other crimes and is scheduled to appear at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland on Friday, Aug. 21 at 9:00 p.m. in Dept. 112 for arraignment.

According to localcrimenews.com, this is his fifth arrest since 2023 by San Francisco Police and Sheriff’s Departments for multiple firearms charges and other crimes including conspiracy to commit a crime and resisting, obstructing or delaying a Peace Officer.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 180-pound Broussard is Black, being held on $315,000 bail for this and other crimes and is also scheduled to appear at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse on Friday, Aug. 21 at 9:00 p.m. in Dept. 112 for arraignment.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of five arrests dating back to 2017 by S.F. Police and Sheriff’s Departments for multiple firearms charges, plus burglary, hit-and-run resulting in injury and resisting, obstructing or delaying a Peace Officer.

This incident remains under active investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the San Ramon Police Department Investigations Division at (925) 973-2700.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Relative of victims arrested for murder, arson in Richmond double fatality fire

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Richmond resident Sergio Rivera-Vega was arrested for murder and arson. Graphic & photo source: Richmond PD

Claims lives of 47-year-old man, 5-year-old boy

32-year-old being held on $2.5 million bail

By Lt. Joseph England, PIO, Richmond Police Department

Richmond, CA – On August 18, 2026, at approximately 8:16 p.m., Richmond Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of 15th Street to assist the Richmond Fire Department with a residential structure fire.

At approximately 8:47 p.m., while emergency personnel remained at the scene, Richmond Police dispatch was notified by the Richmond Fire Department of a second residential structure fire approximately two houses away from the original fire.

Richmond Fire personnel immediately responded to the second residence, where firefighters located four victims inside the home: a 47-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman, a 5-year-old boy, and a 2-year-old girl.

Emergency personnel immediately began providing medical aid. Tragically, the 47-year-old man succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The remaining three victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the 5-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 33-year-old woman and the 2-year-old girl remain hospitalized in critical condition.

The second fire was immediately considered suspicious because it occurred only two houses away from the first fire and began within a short period of time while emergency personnel were still responding to the first incident.

Due to the suspicious circumstances, detectives from the Richmond Police Department’s Homicide Unit responded to the scene and immediately began investigating. Detectives conducted interviews, collected evidence, and worked closely with fire investigators to process the scene.

During the investigation, detectives identified 32-year-old Sergio Ivan Rivera-Vega (born 8/02/1994) as the suspect in the second fire. Rivera-Vega is a relative of the four victims and resided at the home.

While detectives were conducting their investigation, Rivera-Vega was located near the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Richmond Police Department jail on charges of murder and arson causing great bodily injury.

This unimaginable tragedy has taken the lives of a man and a young child while leaving a woman and another young child fighting for their lives. The Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department extend their deepest condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this devastating incident.

The Richmond Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Detectives will continue working closely with the Richmond Fire Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all available evidence is examined, the full circumstances surrounding this incident are established, and justice is pursued for the victims and their family.

Arrested: Sergio Rivera-Vega, 32 yrs, Richmond Resident

Charges: Two Counts of PC 187(A) – Murder and Two Counts of PC 451(A) – Arson Causing Great Bodily Injury

Bail: $2,500,000.00

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 140-pound Rivera-Vega whose race is listed as unknown, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

BBB warns Bay Area consumers about BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange investment operation

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Adults age 65 and older lost almost $70,000

By Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing & Communications Director, Better Business Bureau San Francisco Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers about an alleged cryptocurrency investment operation involving BG Wealth Sharing LTD and the DSJ Exchange platform.

Since May 2026 BBB has received several Scam Tracker reports from local Bay Area consumers who reported losing a combined $69,706.60. All reports were submitted by adults age 65 or older from Alameda and San Francisco counties.

According to the reports, consumers were introduced to the opportunity through relatives, friends, or local recruiters. Four consumers reported attending presentations at a Denny’s restaurant in Hayward, where participants were shown how to open and fund accounts and use trading “signals” or codes on the DSJ Exchange platform.

Consumers reported initially depositing between $2,000 and $5,000 through cash or cryptocurrency. Some said they gave cash to another participant or intermediary who converted it to cryptocurrency and funded their DSJ account.

The consumers described seeing their account balances increase as they copied and pasted trading codes provided through an online group. Some reported being promised daily returns, bonuses, or additional trading signals for recruiting new participants.

When consumers attempted to withdraw their earnings, however, they reported that withdrawals were frozen or unavailable. Several said they were instructed to pay an additional “tax” equal to 12% of the total balance displayed in their account before their funds could be released.

One consumer reported that a $5,000 initial deposit appeared to grow to more than $24,600. The consumer was then instructed to pay nearly $3,000 more before attempting a withdrawal. The consumer refused to pay and reported being unable to access the displayed balance.

“Consumers should never have to send additional money or cryptocurrency to pay a supposed tax before withdrawing their own funds,” said Alma Galvan, Regional Marketing and Communications Director for BBB SF Bay Area. “A growing balance displayed on an investment platform does not necessarily mean that the money exists or can be withdrawn. Be especially cautious when an opportunity relies on recruiting friends and family or promises unusually consistent returns.”

The reports received by BBB are consistent with concerns raised by securities regulators in several states. The Texas State Securities Board issued an emergency cease-and-desist order involving BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange, alleging an operation that used recruitment incentives, misleading account dashboards, withdrawal restrictions, and demands for an additional 12% “exit tax” or “compliance fee.”

The State of Hawaii also issued a preliminary cease-and-desist order alleging that BG Wealth Sharing and certain promoters solicited and offered unregistered securities. Securities regulators in Utah and Washington have issued investor warnings regarding BG Wealth Sharing and DSJ Exchange.

BBB cautions that this warning concerns BG Wealth Sharing LTD and the DSJ Exchange platform described in the reports and regulatory actions. It should not be confused with unrelated businesses that use similar names.

BBB recommends the following precautions:

  • Verify the investment and seller are properly registered.
  • Be skeptical of guaranteed or unusually consistent returns.
  • Research opportunities independently, even when recommended by someone you trust.
  • Avoid investments that reward recruitment.
  • Never give cash to someone to invest on your behalf.
  • Do not pay additional taxes or fees to withdraw funds.
  • Be cautious of unfamiliar platforms; displayed profits may be fabricated.

Consumers who believe they have lost money should immediately stop sending funds and contact their bank, cryptocurrency exchange, or payment provider. Preserve screenshots, messages, transaction records, wallet addresses, receipts, and information about anyone involved. BBB encourages consumers to submit scram reports to:

Victims should also be alert for recovery scams. Individuals claiming that they can hack a blockchain, retrieve cryptocurrency, or recover lost funds in exchange for an upfront payment may be attempting to victimize them a second time.

ABOUT BBB: Better Business Bureau‘s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust by setting standards for ethical business behavior, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models, calling out and addressing substandard marketplace behavior, and creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities.

 

CHP recovers over $1 million in stolen goods during National Organized Retail Crime Blitz

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A suspect is arrested in the Bay Area after attempting to steal multiple items and Organized Retail Crime Blitz statistics. Photos & source: CHP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications Office of Media Relations, CHP

SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to make steady progress in dismantling organized retail crime networks throughout the state. Recently, the CHP joined more than 100 law enforcement agencies for a National Organized Retail Crime Blitz, helping recover $1.05 million in stolen goods. Building on last year’s success, this event reaffirms the CHP’s commitment to holding retail theft suspects accountable.

From August 1 through 9, the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) saturated communities and led coordinated enforcement operations at several businesses, shopping centers and retail stores statewide. Officers proactively identified and apprehended offenders suspected of organized retail theft.

“The impacts of retail theft on businesses and communities are long-lasting. The CHP will continue to dedicate resources to catching perpetrators and holding accountable those who take from businesses and victimize communities.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee

As a result of the CHP’s statewide efforts, officers arrested 97 suspects, including eight on felony charges, and recovered more than 8,500 stolen items valued at approximately $1.05 million.

“The proactive operations conducted during the blitz are a snapshot of the work the Organized Retail Crime Task Force is committed to doing every day,” added Commissioner Duryee. “We will continue to do our part year-round to identify problematic areas, reduce retail theft and make California a safer place to work, live and visit.”

Numerous stolen sneakers recovered during coordinated enforcement efforts in San Diego. A suspect is arrested by the CHP Border Division during the ORC Blitz.

Yearly Progress Snapshot

Looking at the broader picture, the blitz builds on years of steady enforcement. Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in more than 4,700 investigations, resulting in more than 5,300 arrests and the recovery of more than 1.6 million stolen items valued at more than $76.6 million as of July 30.

In the first seven months of 2026, the CHP made nearly 350 retail theft arrests, investigated more than 280 incidents, and assisted partner agencies with more than 80 investigations, recovering an estimated $6.7 million in stolen goods.

Organized retail crime affects more than businesses. It can impact employees, consumers and the communities where these businesses operate. The CHP will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to disrupt organized retail crime and protect California’s communities.

Officers arrest a retail theft suspect during a series of proactive blitz operations in Roseville, Lodi and Stockton.

Organized Retail Theft Program

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft. The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to use the tip link resource located on this page to report qualifying incident(s)

Beginning in 2019, Assembly Bill (AB) 1065 required the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), until July 1, 2021, to coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to convene a regional property crimes task force to identify geographic areas experiencing increased levels of property crimes and assist local law enforcement with resources, such as personnel and equipment.  The recent passage of Assembly Bill 331 will extend the operation of the regional property crimes task force until January 1, 2026.

As reported by the National Retail Federation, organized retail theft accounts for nearly $30 billion in economic loss per year.  This loss is carried by retailers on several levels but is ultimately passed on to consumers through price inflation to offset economic loss.  While the problem is most commonly associated with shoplifting, it extends well beyond into associated organized criminal activity.  Commercial burglary, vehicle burglary, identity theft, credit card fraud, forgery, and fencing (selling or distribution of) stolen property are part of a bigger picture that finance ongoing criminal operations.

A trunk full of stolen items was recovered and multiple stolen items recovered from a Target as a result of proactive operations throughout Bakersfield and Turlock.

In response to AB 1065, the CHP, in consultation with the DOJ, developed a task force concept to work with allied agencies to combat organized retail theft.  Three regional task forces, known as Organized Retail Crime Task Forces (ORCTF), were established by the CHP in five field Divisions with the greatest need for immediate action:  Golden Gate Division (encompassing the greater Bay Area), Southern Division (encompassing the greater Los Angeles region), Border Division (encompassing Orange and San Diego counties), Valley Division (encompassing the greater Sacramento area and surrounding counties), and Central Division (encompassing the San Joaquin Valley).

The CHP encourages victims of organized retail crime to report qualifying incident(s) which are covered under California Penal Code Section 490.4, Organized Retail Theft.

Click here to report organized retail theft

Click here for more information on the CHP’s Organized Retail Theft Program.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

Lafayette Police lock down Acalanes High, middle school due to “swatting” calls Monday

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Acalanes High School and Stanley Intermediate were placed on lockdown by Lafayette police Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. Photo sources: acalanes61.com and Stanley Wildcats PTA Facebook page

By Allen D. Payton

The Lafayette Police Department placed Acalanes High School and Stanley Intermediate School on lockdown Monday afternoon, Aug. 17, 2026, due to an anonymous called in threat.

At 12:59 p.m. and 1:29 p.m. the Department posted alerts on Nixle, a service that sends out text messages about critical events in the community, with links on the department’s Facebook page.

They read:

“Officers are working a potential threat that was called into Acalanes High School by an annomoyous [sic] automated call. The lock down is a precaution. Avoid the area. Updates will be sent via Nixle.

“Oficers [sic] are on site and have drones over the school.”

and

“POLICE ACTIVITY – Officers are at Stanley Intermediate School while they determine if there is a viable threat that was called in.   It appears to be a swatting call, but are taking it seriously.

Officers will remain on campus and updates will be sent via Nixle.

If you see something call 9-1-1

94549TIP@gmail.com
925-284-5010 24 hour dispatch.”

By 1:47 p.m. and 1:52 p.m. All Clear messages were posted.

They read:

“All Clear – Acalanes High School Lockdown has been lifted. officers have completed a thorough search of the school, campus clear.

UPDATE: School Campus Cleared

Law enforcement officers have completed a thorough search of the school and determined that the campus is clear. There is no active threat to students, staff, or the surrounding community.

Officers will remain on site as a precaution while the incident is investigated. Preliminary information indicates this was likely a ‘swatting’ call—a false report intended to prompt a large emergency response.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.”

and:

“All Clear- Stanley Intermediate School lockdown has been lifted, officers have completed a search of the school.

UPDATE: School Campus Cleared

Law enforcement officers have completed a thorough search of the school and determined that the campus is clear. There is no active threat to students, staff, or the surrounding community.

Officers will remain on site as a precaution while the incident is investigated. Preliminary information indicates this was likely a ‘swatting’ call—a false report intended to prompt a large emergency response.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.”

According to the FBI, “Swatting is the malicious tactic of making hoax calls or reports to emergency services, typically feigning an immediate threat to life. Swatting is intended to draw a large response from SWAT teams or other law enforcement resources to an unsuspecting victim’s location, causing chaos and the potential for injury or violence.

“Targets of swatting often include high-profile public figures, as well as schools, hospitals, places of worship, and centers of mass transportation, but anyone can be a victim. A swatting incident may be an isolated event targeting one victim or part of a larger coordinated effort to target multiple victims.”

Serial Lafayette residential burglary suspect from Martinez arrested

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Lafayette Police arrested the burglary suspect in Martinez on Aug. 14, 2026. Photos: Lafayette PD

Held on $516K bail, has history of arrests, owns business in Martinez; multi-agency effort

By Lafayette Police Department

Earlier last week, three residential burglaries occurred in Lafayette. Lafayette PD identified the suspect who committed them. On Tuesday Aug. 11, 2026, Lafayette detectives went to a home in the 3800 block of Alhambra Way in Martinez to serve a search warrant in connection to the cases.

The suspect fled after seeing police. Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Walnut Creek PD, Martinez PD and East Bay Regional Park Police assisted in the search for the suspect, who was not located. Property stolen in the burglaries was recovered in the house. On Wednesday, Lafayette detectives and the Sheriff’s Office special enforcement unit J-Team took the suspect, who was driving a stolen vehicle, into custody in Walnut Creek.

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies assist in the arrest at the suspect’s home in Martinez. Photo: Lafayette PD

The suspect is identified as 34-year-old Kohlton Shawn Kumnick of Martinez (born 3/6/1992). He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on burglary, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm, grand theft, identity theft, resisting arrest, and narcotic charges. He is being held in lieu of $220,000 bail.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, three-inch tall, 205-pound suspect is Hispanic and being held on $516,000 bail and his next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19th at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

According to localcrimenews.com, Kummick is White and has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating back to 2013 for crimes including rape by threat, battery with serious bodily injury, battery on a peace officer, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, inflicting corporal injury on spouse or cohabitant, false imprisonment by violence, child endangerment, vehicle theft, evading police officer with wanton disregard for safety, drug possession and DUI. His most recent arrest prior to this was on April 10, 2026, for hit and run resulting in property damage, DUI – drugs and alcohol and drug possession.

According to Bizapedia, he is the sole principal of Kumnick Electric, LLC located in Martinez and according to contractorlicenseca.com, he’s a licensed contractor.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (925) 284-5010. Tips can be emailed to: 94549tip@gmail.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez man charged with murder in stabbing death, faces special circumstance allegation

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Suspect Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez and victim Todd Stewart. Photo sources: (left) Martinez Police, (right) Blue Lives Matter.

Committed during burglary while out on conditional release; pleads not guilty

Faces life without parole

Now, labeled by Homeland Security as “criminal illegal alien”

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

Martinez, California – On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony complaint charging 36-year-old Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez of Martinez with the murder of Todd Stewart of Martinez, who was 68 years old at the time of his death.

On August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:10 pm, Iriarte-Valdez stabbed Todd Stewart to death with a knife while committing a residential burglary. The Martinez Police Department quickly identified and located Iriarte-Valdez with assistance from the public and through multiple investigative sources. This included video surveillance capturing events related to the crime, as well as physical evidence processed by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab. (See related article)

On August 11, 2026, the Martinez Police Department presented the case to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review. That same day, the District Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint charging Iriarte-Valdez with one count of murder for the unlawful killing of Todd Stewart.

The complaint also includes three additional enhancements to the murder charge:

  • Killing during a burglary: The District Attorney’s Office alleges the murder took place while the defendant was committing, attempting, or fleeing a burglary. This special allegation, if found true by a jury, means the defendant could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
  • Use of a knife: The complaint alleges that Iriarte-Valdez personally used a knife during the commission of the crime, which qualifies as a serious felony enhancement under state law.
  • Committed while out on conditional release: At the time of the killing, Iriarte-Valdez was out of custody on electronic monitoring, as ordered by the court, in a separate, unrelated burglary case.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Our office will pursue this case with diligence and integrity to hold Iriarte-Valdez fully accountable under the law for this devastating act of violence. Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and the larger community as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Our Victim-Witness Assistance Program is available to guide the family members through the criminal justice process and connect them with the services and support they may need.”

Iriarte-Valdez was arraigned Thursday in Contra Costa Superior Court, pleading not guilty to the murder charge and denying all enhancements. Judge David Goldstein, who presided over the arraignment, called the defendant “a risk to public safety” and ordered him held without bail. The case returns to court September 9th at 8:30 am before Judge Michael Nieto in Richmond to set a preliminary hearing date.

According to charging documents, the suspect faces life without parole for the murder charge. 01-26-04140 – Charging Document

As previously reported by FOX News and ABC7 Eyewitness News, the Department of Homeland Security has labeled Iriarte-Valdez a “criminal illegal alien” as the agency had placed an immigration detainer on him on Sept. 23, 2025.

In addition, according to the California Globe, “On August 8, 2026, ICE placed a detainer on him with the Contra Costa County Jail.”

Case No. 01-26-04140 | The People of the State of California v. Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

68-year-old Martinez man stabbed to death by man labeled “criminal illegal alien”

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Suspect Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez in surveillance video footage next to his vehicle and victim Todd Stewart. Photo sources: Top right – Blue Lives Matter Facebook page, bottom two, Martinez Police

One day after suspect released from custody on other charges

By Martinez Police Department

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, at approximately 5:09 pm, the Martinez Police Department received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a subject who was reportedly stabbed on Francis Court in front of a residence.

Officers responded and upon their arrival they located a 68-year-old male, identified as Todd Stewart, on the ground with injuries consistent with being stabbed. Fire and medical responded, but the subject was declared deceased at the scene.

Detectives from the Martinez Police Department Investigations Bureau responded to the scene along with crime scene investigators from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect fled the scene in a Cadillac SUV vehicle pictured above.

He was later apprehended and identified as 36-year-old Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez (born 4/25/1990)

According to a Facebook post by Blue Lives Matter, Iriarte-Valdez is a “criminal released the day before” Stewart was killed. “Surveillance video shows 68-year-old Todd Stewart screaming for help as he is stabbed to death on his front lawn. The attack happened while Stewart was working in his open garage.

“Iriarte-Valdez…was already on pre-trial release for residential burglaries committed in Orinda in April. On August 4 he was taken back into custody for violating the terms of his home detention. The very next day a judge ordered him released on his own recognizance and referred him back to monitoring.”

“Authorities say the ankle monitor was not placed back on him until Friday morning, after Stewart had already been killed.”

According to an Aug. 12th FOXNews report, “The Department of Homeland Security told Fox News Digital it placed an immigration detainer on Iriarte-Valdez Sept. 23, 2025. The DHS said that Valdez was from Venezuela with citizenship in Spain.”  He “had a prior criminal record and was facing burglary charges stemming from at least two incidents elsewhere in Contra Costa County…when a judge…ordered him released.”

According to an Aug. 12th ABC7 Eyewitness News report, “Investigators say the video shows him wearing a tactical vest before putting on a mask.” Iriarte-Valdez “appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to murder charges” and “now, the Department of Homeland Security [is] involved and has labeled the suspect a ‘criminal illegal alien’.”

According to the California Globe, “On August 8, 2026, ICE placed a detainer on him with the Contra Costa County Jail” and the judge “is Nichelle Holmes, a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed her in March 2024.”

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested on April 29, 2026, for burglary, receiving or concealing stolen property, aggravated trespass, trespassing by driving on private property and loitering, prowling, wandering upon the private property of another.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Iriarte-Valdez is listed as White and was booked on May 15th then released on his own recognizance on Aug. 5th at 7:03 PM.

Also, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 175-pound suspect is Hispanic and being held in the West Re-Entry Treatment and Housing facility in Richmond on no bail. He has another court appearance scheduled for Sept. 9th at 8:30 AM in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 5.

But according to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, the case returns to court September 1st at 8:30 am before Judge Michael Nieto in Richmond to set a preliminary hearing date.

The investigation is active and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Dominguez at (925) 372-3451 or at cdominguez1@cityofmartinez.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.