Contra Costa Herald

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

Suspect in fatal Richmond shooting arrested in Concord

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By Richmond Police Department

The Richmond Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on May 29, 2026, in the 200 block of West Nevin Avenue.

At approximately 6:27 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired and located an adult victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by responding officers, the victim tragically succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

Through rapid investigative work, officers quickly identified a possible suspect and associated vehicle. Investigators utilized Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology to track the suspect vehicle as it traveled from Richmond into Concord.

With the assistance of the Concord Police Department, the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident later that evening. The suspect has been booked on charges of murder (PC 187).

The Richmond Police Department is grateful for the assistance provided by the Concord Police Department and is pleased that Flock ALPR technology served as a critical investigative tool, helping investigators identify and arrest a homicide suspect within approximately eight hours of the shooting.

This case highlights the value of technology, strong investigative work, and regional law enforcement partnerships in helping bring violent offenders into custody quickly.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances and motive surrounding this incident.

We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Richmond Police Department Investigations Bureau at (510) 621-1288.

The suspect’s name, age and other details have been requested. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Three juveniles cited for reckless e-motorcycle riding in Lafayette

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File photo: Lafayette PD

Parents “admonished…they could be cited for child endangerment”

By Lafayette Police Department

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, a Lafayette PD Officer attempted to stop and educate juveniles recklessly riding e-motorcycles (not street-legal) in the downtown area. In two different incidents, the juveniles refused to stop and sped away doing wheelies. Due to the public safety concerns, no pursuit was initiated. After reviewing the incident and speaking with witnesses, the officer identified all three juveniles. The officer later met with the juveniles and their parents to discuss their riding behavior and to educate all parties that e-motorcycles are not street legal. The officer cited all three juveniles for CVC 12500(a) – Unlicensed Driver. The parents were admonished that if their child is caught riding these again, they could be cited for child endangerment.

Here are two recent incidents highlighting the danger of these electric motorcycles:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaBKm_cTRYE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qQKL_NE5h0

Remember: Unregistered electric motorcycles are not street legal.

Learn How to Choose an Electric Bike at https://www.rei.com/…/exper…/how-to-choose-an-ebike.html

Source: Pleasant Hill PD

Electric Bike vs. Electric Motorcycle (CA law)

Class 1 E-Bike: pedal assist only, no throttle, max 20 mph

Class 2 E-Bike: pedal assist plus throttle, max 20 mph

Class 3 E-Bike: pedal assist only, max 28 mph (helmets required, no riders under 16)

Maximum 750 Watts.

Electric Motorcycle: Anything exceeding these specs (no pedals, higher speeds) requires registration, insurance, and a motorcycle license for road use.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV): Models such as Sur-Ron and Talaria electric motorcycles are designed only for off-road use.

Man injured in Richmond road rage freeway shooting

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By CHP Golden Gate

RICHMOND, Calif. — A victim was injured in a freeway shooting late Monday evening in Richmond following a road rage incident on Interstate 80 (I-80).

On May 25, at approximately 7:33 p.m., officers assigned to the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Oakland Area office were dispatched to a freeway shooting that occurred on eastbound I-80, west of Hilltop Drive.

Responding officers contacted the victim at a secondary location after he exited the freeway to wait for emergency responders. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to his right shoulder and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The CHP’s Golden Gate Division Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and opened an investigation. All lanes of eastbound I-80 at El Portal Drive were temporarily closed to allow officers to process the scene. After speaking with the victim and witnesses, it was determined that the shooting occurred following a road rage incident. Detectives are actively working to identify suspect(s) in this incident, and anyone with information is asked to call the CHP Investigative Tipline at (707) 917-4491.

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

Two juveniles arrested following large fight in Brentwood City Hall garage

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Gun recovered

By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 5:25PM, Officers responded to reports of a large fight involving juveniles inside the Brentwood City Hall Parking Garage in downtown. During the incident, callers reported a possible firearm, an assault, and theft of personal property; however, no shots were fired.

As officers arrived, multiple involved subjects fled the area on foot. Officers quickly saturated the area and detained several juveniles after multiple foot pursuits. During the investigation, officers recovered a replica Glock style firearm from one juvenile.

Officers later learned that one juvenile involved in the altercation sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Two juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall, while others were released to their parents pending further proceedings.

We appreciate the quick response from officers and the great work by our dispatchers who helped bring the incident under control safely. No officers were injured during this investigation.

The involved parties, including the victim and suspects, have all been identified and are believed to know each other. At this time, the incident is considered isolated, with no indication of any ongoing risk to the community.

We understand incidents like this can be concerning for students, parents, and community members who may witness or hear about them. The Brentwood Police Department encourages anyone who observes suspicious activity or has information related to public safety concerns to report it immediately by calling 911 or our non-emergency line at (925) 809-7911.

Four arrested during Pleasant Hill retail theft suppression

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One of the four retail theft suspects arrested on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Photos: Pleasant Hill PD

Two adults from Concord; 17- and 18-year-olds from Oakland

By Pleasant Hill Police Department

On Tuesday evening, May 26, 2026, our Officers worked another successful Theft Supersession detail in the Crossroads Shopping Center off Monument Blvd. and Buskirk Avenue. While working directly with Loss Prevention for the major retailers throughout the shopping center, a number of individuals were arrested, and several other thefts were thwarted. As a result of their proactive work, the following people were arrested for numerous theft and narcotics related charges:

– Lloyd Canamore (18), Oakland

– 17-year-old juvenile, Oakland

– Annemarie Melena (30), Concord

– Joshua Daniel Almond (43), Concord

According to localcrimenews.com, Melena had previously been arrested in 2018 by Woodland CHP for DUI alcohol/drugs.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, as of May 27th at 7:36 PM, Almond was out of custody on his own recognizance.

As the summer begins to kick into high gear, plan to see our Officers working a few more of these details in the coming weeks!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Hayward man convicted of attempted murder in Oakley shooting, faces extradition for 2024 New Zealand murder

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Fourth arrest since 2018; also arrested by U.S. Marshalls, alleged to be hit man for organized crime 

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

Martinez, California – On May 18, 2026, a Contra Costa County jury convicted a Hayward man of attempted murder with premeditation, shooting at an occupied vehicle, reckless evasion, and being a felon in possession of a firearm — along with firearm enhancements for personally using a firearm.

The convicted man, 26-year-old Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi, (born 12/31/1999) attacked a victim in Oakley on August 27, 2025. Evidence at trial showed that Tangi drove from Alameda County to Oakley and waited approximately three hours outside the victim’s home. When the victim arrived, Tangi approached the vehicle and fired 17 shots at close range. The victim survived. Tangi then fled the scene and disposed of the firearm. Minutes later, a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull Tangi over, but Tangi refused to yield, leading officers on an 11-mile high-speed chase before law enforcement apprehended him.

According to Oakley Police, after Tangi’s arrest, Oakley Detectives Dombrouski, Gill and Pistello worked tirelessly to determine the motive and the actions of Tangi leading up to the shooting. Through collaborative investigative efforts with other law enforcement agencies, Oakley detectives were able to backtrack Tangi’s movements from Oakley to Alameda County. Detectives also determined Tangi waited for the victim to show up at his girlfriend’s house on Trenton Street for more than three hours before the shooting occurred.

The Antioch Police Department assisted by setting up spike strips on Deer Valley near Prewett Ranch Drive. The suspect vehicle became disabled by the spikes and the driver was taken into custody. (See original Oakley PD press release)

The District Attorney’s Community Violence Reduction Unit prosecuted the case. District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This conviction reflects the outstanding work of our entire team, and we are grateful to everyone who helped bring justice for the victim in this case.”

Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard said “This was a very violent act that represented a significant threat to not only the victim, but also to all of the nearby neighbors on Trenton Street on that very early morning. Throughout this case, our Detectives and Special Service Team Officers worked very hard and we received assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Antioch Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol. It is very clear to me that Mr. Tangi is a dangerous person and I am grateful the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office tried the case in the way they did. This case is indicative that you never know who is coming into your neighborhood at night, so families should take precautions for themselves and their personal security. This event is also evidence that the presence of strong police forces that work together cohesively can make all the difference; I am proud to be part of the cohesive nature of the law enforcement agencies in East Contra Costa County. I hope the victim in this case continues to heal from his injuries.”

Tangi’s violent conduct extends beyond the United States. Authorities in New Zealand currently want him for the murder of a courier in Auckland.

His sentencing hearing for the Contra Costa County offenses is scheduled for June 29, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 4 of the Richard E. Arnason Justice Center in Pittsburg.

Case No. 04-25-01632 | The People of the State of California v. Tanginoa Pahulu Tangi

According to localcrimenews.com, Tangi is Asian Pacific Islander and has been previously arrested three other times in 2018 and 2020 for burglary, robbery and use of a deadly and/or dangerous weapon.

Arrested by U.S. Marshalls for New Zealand Murder as Hit Man

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, he is six-foot, one-inches tall, 225 pounds, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility. Tangi was also arrested on Sept. 5, 2025, by U.S. Marshalls for the New Zealand case.

According to the Kaniva Tonga news source in New Zealand, Tonga Independent and Helm.news, Tangi is accused of being sent from California to New Zealand in 2024 to commit murder, leading to the death of an Auckland courier and he now, faces extradition. “Police say a United States national (Tangi) alleged to have acted as a contracted ‘hitman’ in the killing of Auckland courier driver Tuipulotu Kokohu Vi.”

“New Zealand Police alleged the 26‑year‑old flew into the country in August 2024, carried out the fatal shooting, and then fled back to the US before investigators were able to identify him. New Zealand police say he is also the subject of an extradition request relating to the Auckland killing.”

Tangi “is accused of traveling from California to New Zealand in 2024 at the direction of a U.S.-based organized crime group to carry out a murder. He is charged in New Zealand with the fatal shooting of 59-year-old Auckland courier Tuipulotu Vi, who was found dead in his van; police believe Vi was not the intended target. After the incident, Tangi returned to the U.S., where he was arrested in August 2025 following a separate shooting attempt. Extradition to New Zealand is pending, with three others now charged in connection with the case. The investigation remains active, and suppression orders have been lifted, allowing further details to be reported.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Former East Bay financial advisor, Danville man pleads guilty to operating a long-running $9.5 million Ponzi scheme

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Sentencing for 78-year-old Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr. of Alamo-based Foundation Financial Group scheduled for August 28, faces up to 30 years in prison, $500K in fines

By United States Attorney, Northern District of California

OAKLAND – Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a decades-long Ponzi scheme.

Lickiss, 78, of Danville, Calif., admitted that from 1998 through September 2024, he defrauded more than 93 investors of at least $9.5 million.

United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew Cobo, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen made the announcement.

To induce investments, Lickiss falsely claimed that he would place victim funds into exclusive, safe, tax-free bonds, with some generating returns in excess of 20 percent.  Lickiss also issued fraudulent promissory notes on the letterhead of his former firm, Foundation Financial Group.

In addition, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), On July 21, 2025, the SEC charged Lickiss, Jr., with selling fraudulent promissory note investments to approximately 80 investors as part of a Ponzi scheme that lasted over 25 years. According to the SEC’s complaint, Lickiss fraudulently offered and sold to investors approximately $12.7 million in promissory notes, which purported to pay interest rates of between 9 and 32 percent per annum.

In fact, Lickiss used subsequent victim funds to make payments to those who had invested earlier, consistent with a Ponzi scheme.  Lickiss also diverted victim funds for his own use, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and payments on vehicles, mortgages, and personal credit cards.

According to the IRS, on July 21, 2025, “A federal grand jury indicted Edwin Emmett Lickiss Jr., on one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with an alleged $9.5 million investment fraud scheme. Despite the suspension and loss of his broker’s license, Lickiss allegedly continued to solicit and obtain investments from victim investors until around September 2024. Lickiss was a financial advisor based in Danville and Alamo, Calif., who owned and operated Foundation Financial Group, a firm that provided investment services to investors in the Northern District of California, Idaho, and throughout the United States.”

Lickiss was released pending a sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for August 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar.  Lickiss faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count.  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.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wolinsky is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon.  The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.

Further Information:

Case No. 4:25-CR-00202-JST

Electronic court filings and further procedural and docket information are available at https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. Judges’ calendars with schedules for upcoming court hearings can be viewed on the court’s website at www.cand.uscourts.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Rep. DeSaulnier secures over $16 million for projects to benefit Contra Costa, Alameda Counties

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Includes $1.1 million for CC District Attorney’s Office to fight organized retail theft, labor trafficking

By Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced that he secured over $16 million for community projects across Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. These projects will support public health and safety, transportation accessibility and community development, and environmental protection and sustainability in California’s 10th Congressional District.

Each year, Congress provides Member-directed federal funding to a select number of community projects through the appropriations process. Under this process, each House member is allowed to submit 15 project requests on behalf of their Congressional District to the Appropriations Committee that meet the criteria set forth by the Committee.

“From lowering everyday costs for families to bolstering traffic safety to increasing access to public, recreational spaces, these projects will improve quality of life in our community, and I am proud to have fought for and secured the funding that will make them possible,” said DeSaulnier. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local governments and organizations in developing such thoughtful projects.”

Transportation Accessibility and Community Development Projects:

  1. $1,970,010 for the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to upgrade and develop a network of smart traffic signals between Antioch and Oakley to improve commute times, reduce delays and ease congestion.
  2. $1,200,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to create a separate bike path to fill a gap in the County-wide bicycle network along Marsh Drive in unincorporated Pacheco, which will improve safety for all road users and access to local commercial centers, recreational centers, and additional connections to the local mass transit system.
  3. $1,000,000 for the Contra Costa County Public Works Department to construct bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Treat Boulevard in the Contra Costa Centre Transit Village in Walnut Creek to close a critical gap along the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which would improve safety for non-motorized road users and improve connectivity for first and last mile connections to public transit and local commercial establishments.
  4. $850,000 for the Town of Danville to install fiber optic cables and construct new conduit and junction boxes for 54 traffic signals in Danville to enable real-time traffic signal optimization to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, and allow for future implementation of smart city technologies.
  5. $850,000 for the City of Dublin to improve safety and accessibility of Village Parkway by narrowing vehicle lanes, adding lighting, and constructing buffered bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and protected intersections.
  6. $850,000 for the East Bay Regional Park District to construct visitor facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, public parking areas, and a turnout lane on Bailey Road to allow for the Thurgood Marshall Regional Park to be opened up to the public.

Public Health and Safety Projects:

  1. $1,915,000 for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) to replace and install equipment, including backup generators, shore power plugs, and automatic transfer switches, at radio towers across Contra Costa County that are used for communication between law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services to improve system reliability during emergencies and disasters that result in the loss of power.
  2. $1,145,144 for the Diablo Water District to provide structural and foundational reinforcements to water infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with major seismic events, safeguard water supply, and contribute to the region’s overall disaster preparedness strategy.
  3. $1,034,487 for the City of Concord to make improvements to the Emergency Operations Center in Concord to ensure its longevity, efficiency, and resilience as it serves as a critical hub for bolstering regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.
  4. $1,000,000 for the City of Walnut Creek to purchase 120 body worn cameras, charging docks, and equipment to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in the police department.
  5. $600,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to create an Organized Retail Theft (ORT) Prevention and Prosecution Unit with the goal of addressing increased levels of retail theft crimes, helping local law enforcement better confront these types of crimes, and improving public safety.
  6. $500,000 for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to enhance the identification and referral of survivors of labor trafficking and cases of labor trafficking occurring in the County, increase the capacity of the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cases of labor exploitation and trafficking, and improve the quality and scope of services provided to underserved and marginalized victims of human trafficking.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability Projects:

  1. $2,000,000 to the Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) to construct a battery system to allow the agency to charge its zero emission buses overnight, and provide a source of power to maintain operations during emergencies.
  2. $1,092,000 to the Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San) to upgrade the water treatment facility’s ultraviolet (UV) technology to reduce the energy footprint of water treatment and protect public health and water quality in the region.
  3. $273,000 for the Marine Mammal Center to help build scientific literacy and environmental stewardship of the coastal zone for 2,700 students and their teachers in Contra Costa County and to develop a pipeline for the future STEM workforce.

“Federal Community Project Funding for Organized Retail Theft Prevention is an investment in safer communities and a stronger justice system. These resources empower my office to hold offenders accountable, disrupt organized criminal enterprises, and protect the businesses and residents that help our county thrive,” said Diana Becton, District Attorney, Contra Costa County. “Supporting the Healing and Justice for Labor Trafficking Survivors Project honors the resilience of survivors and reinforces the commitment to justice with compassion. This funding will expand critical services, remove barriers to recovery, and ensure that trafficking survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

“Thank you to Congressman DeSaulnier for securing this federal investment for the Antioch and Oakley Smart Signals Project. These upgrades will improve safety and make travel more reliable for everyone. They also complement CCTA’s countywide effort to modernize intersections across every city and town in Contra Costa County, building a more connected signal network that helps traffic flow and improves safety regionwide as more locations come online,” said Darlene Gee, Chair of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board of Commissioners.

“We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for his leadership and support of our Community Project Funding request, which will allow us to strengthen and modernize the emergency power infrastructure that supports the East Bay Regional Communications System. This investment will fund the replacement and installation of critical equipment at radio tower sites throughout Contra Costa County. These improvements will significantly enhance the reliability of the public safety radio network for firefighters, emergency medical services, and all first responders serving Contra Costa County and northern Alameda County, particularly during emergencies and disasters that include power outages. Congressman DeSaulnier’s continued advocacy helps ensure we have the dependable infrastructure to protect and serve our communities,” said Lewis Broschard, former Fire Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District.

“The Town of Danville is deeply grateful to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his dedicated staff for their steadfast support in securing federal funding for our Townwide Fiber Project. This critical investment will modernize our traffic infrastructure, creating smarter, safer, and more efficient streets for everyone in our community. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership to deliver these transformative improvements,” said Mayor Newell Arnerich, Town of Danville.

“Central San is grateful for the leadership and support of Congressman DeSaulnier in securing Community Project Funding for our UV Disinfection Replacement Project. This funding will allow us to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure, improve system resilience, and ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards. By transitioning to a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient UV disinfection system, we expect to reduce energy demand by up to 60 percent while enhancing reliability for the communities we serve,” said Roger Bailey, General Manager of Central Conta Costa Sanitary District (Central San).

“This funding is a powerful investment in the next generation of ocean stewards,” said Jeff Boehm, Chief External Relations Officer at The Marine Mammal Center. “Through our Ocean Ambassadors program in Contra Costa County and beyond, we equip educators and young people with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to protect our ocean and the wildlife that depend on it. We are deeply grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and for recognizing the critical role education plays in conservation.”

“This $2 million award represents an important step toward a more sustainable and resilient transit system for central Contra Costa County and leverages our state efforts to advance zero-emission infrastructure. We thank Congressman DeSaulnier for recognizing the value of this project and for his strong support of investments that benefit our community,” said Bill Churchill, General Manager of Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection).

“We are deeply grateful for this grant funding, which will enable us to upgrade our Body-Worn Cameras and strengthen evidence preservation infrastructure. These tools are vital for ensuring transparency, accountability, and public safety. While our department already utilizes Body-Worn Cameras, this upgrade is essential to maintaining cutting-edge technology and best practices in the years ahead. We sincerely thank Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and his team for their support and collaboration in securing this critical investment for our community,” said Ryan Hibbs, Chief of Police, City of Walnut Creek.

“The Marsh Drive Class I bike and pedestrian path will close a critical gap in Contra Costa County’s active transportation network, improving safety and access for people walking and biking in the Pacheco area. We are grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for championing this project and helping deliver infrastructure that directly benefits the community,” said Warren Lai, Director, Contra Costa County Public Works Department. “The Treat Boulevard Complete Streets project will make a key corridor safer and more accessible for non-motorized users, supporting walking and biking. The project will help connect non-motorized transport users from the high-density housing at the Pleasant Hill BART station with grocery stores and other essential services in Walnut Creek. We appreciate Congressman DeSaulnier’s leadership in securing this funding and advancing transportation improvements that enhance quality of life in Contra Costa County.”

“We thank Representative DeSaulnier for securing critical funding to advance the South of Bailey Road project at Thurgood Marshall Regional Park – Home of the Port Chicago 50,” said John Mercurio, Director, East Bay Regional Park District. “The Representative is a longtime friend of the Park District. This support helps us move forward in opening public access to a landscape of both remarkable natural value and deep historical significance. As we develop the park, the Park District remains committed to honoring the legacy of the Port Chicago 50 and ensuring this important chapter of our nation’s history is remembered and shared with future generations.”

Transparency and Accountability

The projects are subject to a strict transparency and accountability process, which is detailed here by the Appropriations Committee. Examples of this vetting include certifying that Members have no financial interest in these projects, an audit of a sampling of these projects by the Government Accountability Office, and a requirement for demonstrated community support and engagement for each submission. More information on each project and the certifications of no financial interest can be found here.

 

In-custody death of Oakley man at Contra Costa jail under investigation

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Charged with attempted murder of Sheriff’s Deputy; was held on $1.385 million bail

Fatal incident protocol  invoked

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

The county-wide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol has been invoked for an in-custody death.

On May 4, 2026, deputy sheriffs found an inmate who attempted suicide in his cell at the Martinez Detention Facility. He was transported to a local hospital where he has remained since. The inmate was pronounced deceased at the hospital today at about 11:34 AM.

He is identified as 54-year-old Raymond Smith of Oakley. Smith was arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on January 13, 2026, on the following charges: attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, illegal possession of a firearm (prohibited person), felon in possession of a firearm, and criminal contempt of court.

As previously reported by the Herald, Smith was charged with attempted murder of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy following a shootout during a traffic stop on Jan. 12, 2026. The deputy was not struck. The suspect fled on foot in the Oakley neighborhood and Smith was found barricaded at his home.

After several hours of attempting to communicate with the suspect, the SWAT team armored vehicle approached the residence. A gunshot was heard. The suspect apparently tried to take his own life. Medical personnel, who were on scene, immediately implemented life-saving measures. The suspect was taken to a local hospital.

Per the protocol, this is being investigated by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the Contra Costa D.A.’s Office. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office 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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez man convicted of two related murders in Solano County

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Committed second murder of man who paid his bail for the first murder

Fled to Mexico; multi-agency effort

Faces mandatory life without parole

By Solano County District Attorney’s Office

On April 21, 2026, in Department 23 of the Solano County Superior Court, before the Honorable John Ellis presiding, a Solano County jury found Defendant Richard Raymond Klein, age 55 of Martinez, guilty as charged: Two counts of First-Degree Murder in violation of Penal Code Section 187(a) and two counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The jury further found the following enhancements to be TRUE: Use of a Firearm Causing Death, Committing Murder While Out of Custody on Own Recognizance, and Multiple Murder Special Circumstance

The conviction followed a seven-week trial that detailed a 2022 killing and a subsequent fatal shooting tied to a key witness who paid for Klein’s bail following his first murder arrest.

In early 2022, Defendant was engaged in an ongoing dispute with Anthony Raymond Fuimaono (“Manny”) over the theft of narcotics. On April 21, 2022, Anthony Siu Fuimaono, Manny’s father, was together with friends playing dice outside a home in Fairfield when Defendant Klein showed up there. An argument ensued and suddenly Defendant Klein pulled out a gun and shot and killed Anthony Siu Fuimaono who was unarmed. After committing the murder, Defendant Klein fled to Tracy, California. There, he stayed with a friend and associate, Matthew Muller (“Mr. Muller”), and had him discard his .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun that was used in the murder.

On May 5, 2022, Defendant Klein was arrested for the murder of Anthony Siu Fuimaono. In July 2022, Defendant Klein learned that Mr. Muller was talking to mutual associates about still being in possession of the murder weapon that killed Anthony Siu Fuimaono, and heard that he was scheming to steal property from his garage. While in custody, Klein conspired with two associates during recorded jail calls to set Mr. Muller’s home in Suisun City on fire. On July 18, 2022, Mr. Muller’s home burnt down and Klein’s associates were convicted at trial.

On October 28, 2022, at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing, Defendant Klein was held to answer for the murder of Anthony Siu Fuimaono. He was scheduled to return to court for a Bail Hearing and Arraignment on the information on November 14, 2022. On November 9, 2022, Defendant Klein spoke to Mr. Muller. In that recorded jail call, Mr. Muller offered to pay Mr. Klein’s $450,000 bail money with the assurance that Mr. Klein would not come after him if released. On November 14, 2022, the Court released Defendant Klein from custody on pre-trial services over the People’s strenuous objection. At the prosecutor’s request, Defendant was required to wear a GPS ankle monitor.

On December 15, 2022, Defendant Klein and an associate drove to Mr. Muller’s new home in Suisun City, CA. Defendant parked his car and got out with a firearm and confronted Mr. Muller, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of a car parked in front of his house. A gunfight ensued and Klein shot and fatally wounded Mr. Muller. Klein cut off his ankle monitor and fled to Rosarita, Mexico.

Due to the diligent response of local, state, and federal law enforcement, Defendant Klein was apprehended in Mexico on January 7, 2023. Defendant was brought back to Solano County where he faced additional charges for the murder of Matthew Muller.

During the seven-week jury trial, Deputy District Attorney Barry Shapiro called over 40 witnesses to the stand to testify. He put on several key pieces of evidence including DNA, ballistics, GPS, surveillance recordings and recorded jail conversations. After hearing voluminous testimony, the jury deliberated and found Defendant Klein Guilty. The defendant is scheduled to return to court on June 26, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 23, for Judgment and Sentencing. Defendant faces a mandatory sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole.

Deputy District Attorney Barry Shapiro prosecuted the case, with the assistance of District Attorney Investigator Jason Thompson, Supervising Victim Advocate Jeff Lelea, and Clerical Supervisor Carlos Noriega.

Our office would like to extend our appreciation and say thank you to our law enforcement partners, specifically, Fairfield Police Department, Suisun Police Department, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Justice, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Solano County Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Marshall’s Office, for their hard work and vigilance in this case. This was a multi-jurisdictional investigation that led to the apprehension, arrest, prosecution, and conviction of Defendant Richard Klein.

According to localcrimenews.com, the 280-pound Klein was also arrested in 2020 by Contra Costa CHP for an illegal speed contest. According to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, he was born on March 20, 1971.

Case: People v. Richard Klein, F23-00728

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.