Contra Costa Herald

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

Concord man charged with murdering parents on New Year’s Eve

By 1 Comment

61-year-old Kirk Laroy Richardson held on $4 million bail

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, on Dec. 31, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals, a 90-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman, who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the Concord Police Department in a Facebook post on Jan. 2, 2026, “This case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations. This morning, the District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of Murder (PC187) with enhancements for use of a firearm, against 61-year-old Kirk Richardson for the murder of his parents. Richardson remains in custody and is being held in lieu of $4 million bail.”

According to Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, “Kirk Laroy Richardson was arraigned today, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 1:30 pm in Martinez in Department 6 (Judge David Goldstein). Richardson is in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. His bond is currently listed on the Sheriff’s In-Custody Locator at four million dollars.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, ten-inch tall, 200-pound Richardson is Hispanic and has another court date scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, also at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court Department 5 in Martinez.

“Attached is the complaint our office filed with the court on 1/2/26 that lists the charges,” Asregadoo added. According to the complaint, Richardson is charged with two counts of murder and faces 25 years to life in prison for each count.

01-26-00001 – KLRichardson Charging Document

20-year-old Richmond man arrested for kidnapping, sexually assaulting Porterville girl

By Leave a Comment

Human trafficking suspect Mario Anthony Godinez of Richmond and the agencies that assisted in his arrest Dec. 31, 2025. Photo: Porterville PD

Human trafficker behind bars; committed felony while released on bail

Contra Costa Sheriff’s & DA’s Offices, Richmond & Benicia PD’s assist in operation

By Porterville Police Department

Incident: Meeting with a minor for the purpose of committing a lewd or sexual act, Kidnapping, Committing a Felony While Released on Bail

The Porterville Police Department is investigating a human trafficking case that resulted in the arrest of a Richmond man following a multi-agency operation.

On December 29, 2025, a female victim reported being contacted by an adult male through the social media platform Snapchat. Investigators identified the suspect as Mario Anthony Godinez (20, born 7/1/2005) of Richmond, California. Detectives determined Godinez arranged to meet the victim in Porterville, CA and subsequently transported her to his residence in Richmond, where she remained for several days before being returned to Porterville.

During the investigation, detectives learned Godinez had previously been arrested on multiple human trafficking-related charges and was on court-ordered supervision at the time of this incident.

On December 31, 2025, detectives served an arrest warrant and search warrant at Godinez’s residence in the 3400 block of Richmond Parkway in Richmond, California. The operation was conducted with assistance from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Richmond Police Department and Benicia Police Department. Godinez was taken into custody without incident.

Godinez was booked into the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office South County Detention Facility and is being held without bail. The case has been forwarded to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Evidence recovered during the search indicates there may be additional victims of Human Trafficking connected to this investigation.

According to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Godinez is Black and his next court date is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 5 at 1:30 P.M.

According to recentlybooked.com, he is five-feet, eight inches tall, 140-pounds and was also arrested on May 26, 2025, in Solano County on a Benicia felony case.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Det. Madrigal or Sgt. Stark with the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400, through the department’s Facebook or Instagram pages, or submit information anonymously.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Brentwood Officer involved Christmas Eve shooting leaves man dead

By 2 Comments

Contra Costa DA’s Office conducting parallel Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol investigation 

By Investigations Lt. Mark Louwerens, Brentwood Police Department

On Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at around 10:55 p.m., Brentwood Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Balfour Road and Foothill Drive for suspicion of DUI.  Officers contacted the driver, a male in his 40’s, who was the only occupant in the vehicle.

While speaking to the driver, officers developed probable cause to search the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded, high-powered rifle inside the vehicle.  When officers attempted to arrest the driver, he physically resisted arrest, refused to follow verbal commands and ultimately grabbed the high-powered rifle.

An officer-involved shooting occurred in which one officer fired their weapon. Several officers rendered emergency medical aid until paramedics arrived on scene. However, the suspect succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene.

No officers were seriously injured during this incident.

The investigation remains ongoing and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is conducting a parallel investigation in accordance with the Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident protocol. Body-worn camera and in-car camera footage will eventually be released in accordance with the law.

No additional information is being released at this time

The suspect’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, please contact the Brentwood Police Department at (925) 809-7911.  Callers may remain anonymous.

An email requesting the name, age and city of residence of the deceased man was sent to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office and Sherrif-Coroner PIO. Please check back later for any updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

El Sobrante woman among 13 arrested in statewide organized retail theft investigation

By Leave a Comment

Stolen merchandise recovered during the CHP’s “Operation Silent Night” targeting an organized retail theft ring. Photos: California Highway Patrol

Operation Silent Night executed in Richmond, 3 other cities, recovers 44,140 stolen items worth more than $800K 

53-year-old Bach Ngoc Thi Bui previously arrested in 2023 for grand theft and organized retail theft

By Officer Ruben Jones, PIO, CHP Valley Division

SACRAMENTO — Thirteen suspects were arrested, and more than $800,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered following a coordinated, multi-agency operation targeting an organized retail theft network operating across Northern California.

In September, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Valley Division Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) was alerted to a pair of retail theft suspects who stole merchandise in Placer County and at multiple other locations throughout the state. The Valley Division ORCTF includes investigators from the CHP, Sacramento Police Department and the Placer County District Attorney’s Office.

On October 1, the Rocklin Police Department conducted a traffic stop involving the suspects and requested assistance from the Valley Division ORCTF. During the investigation, the suspects provided information identifying individuals who were purchasing stolen merchandise from them and reselling it for profit. Investigators also learned the stolen goods were being distributed and sold at flea markets in Oakland, San Jose, Galt, Modesto and Stockton.

Based on this information, ORCTF investigators conducted surveillance operations that corroborated the suspects’ statements and established links among the theft suspects, those purchasing and reselling the stolen merchandise, and the flea-market distribution locations. Investigators subsequently obtained multiple search warrants covering six residences, three storage lockers, and one storage lot.

On December 11, a coordinated multi-agency enforcement effort, Operation Silent Night, was executed in Oakland, Richmond, San Leandro and Galt. The operation resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects. Investigators seized two firearms, more than $10,000 in cash, five vans, two passenger vehicles and two trailers. More than 400 boxes and 200 bags of stolen merchandise were recovered, including cosmetics, household goods, clothing, power tools, toys, alcohol, and diapers. All suspects were transported to the Placer County Jail for booking.

Stolen merchandise recovered. Photo: CHP

On December 12, Cal Expo provided an exposition hall to assist with the processing and cataloging of the recovered merchandise. In partnership with affected retailers, investigators documented a total of 44,140 stolen items valued in excess of $800,000.

The following are those who were taken into custody:

  • Bach Ngoc Thi Bui, 53, El Sobrante
  • Isaid Garcia Chapas, 41, Oakland
  • Irene Cruz Barragan, 35, Oakland
  • Daniela Cruz Barragan, 33, Oakland
  • Robert Lorenzo Luna-Varela, 34, Oakland
  • Jefferson Isaed Garcia-Rivera, 22, Oakland
  • Jennifer Garcia Cruz, 19, Oakland
  • Elan Rosales Montes, 35, Oakland
  • Claudia Ivet Cruz Barragan, 42, Oakland
  • Yolanda Carrillo Martinez, 45, Oakland
  • Ivan Miranda Espinoza, 33, Oakland
  • Yuridia Sandoval Ramirez, 35, Oakland
  • Eryn Wilfred Corea Guevara, 29, Oakland

“Organized retail theft is not a victimless crime. It impacts businesses, workers, and communities across California. This investigation highlights the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and our retail partners, and our commitment to holding organized theft networks accountable.”- CHP Valley Division Chief Tyler Eccles

The Placer County District Attorney’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the filing of criminal charges of organized retail theft, conspiracy to commit felony crimes, receiving stolen property, among numerous allegations against the 13 defendants.

The charges stem from numerous thefts that had occurred within Placer County that culminated in a multiple agency operation last week in Oakland that recovered over $700,000 worth of stolen merchandise and extensive counterfeit merchandise. This collaborative investigation and prosecution is made possible by Placer County’s retail theft initiative.

The defendants appeared in court that afternoon and defense attorneys were appointed to represent them. The next court date was scheduled for December 22 in Department 20 at 8:30 am.

Since the ORCTF’s inception in 2019, the CHP has been involved in over 4,200 investigations, leading to the arrest of more than 4,700 suspects and the recovery of nearly 1.5 million stolen goods valued at over $68.7 million statewide as of November 30.

According to localcrimenews.com, Bui is a female and was also arrested by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department in August 2023 when she was a Pittsburg resident for conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, receiving or concealing stolen property and organized retail theft.

The CHP extends its appreciation to all participating law enforcement agencies, task force members, Cal Expo, and retail partners whose collaboration led to the success of this investigation. The case remains ongoing.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol initiated

By Leave a Comment

Antioch Police and Con Fire personnel responded to the scene of the fatal collision causing a back-up in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 between Pittsburg and Antioch Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025. Video screenshot courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty.

Following collision involving DA Senior Inspector killing Antioch assault suspect running on Hwy 4; CHP leads investigation

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

Martinez, California – A fatal traffic collision with a pedestrian is under investigation by the California Highway Patrol pursuant to the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol.

On Monday, December 22, 2025, at approximately 10:35 a.m., in the area of Delta Fair Blvd. in Antioch, a suspect engaged in a disturbance at Delta Bowl. According to Antioch Police, the initial incident occurred at the Comfort Inn, located at 2436 Mahogany Way, where the 27-year-old male suspect had pulled a fire alarm and then struck a 47-year-old male security guard. As police responded, the suspect climbed over a fence and entered eastbound Highway 4 on foot.

The individual was struck in the roadway by an oncoming county vehicle driven by a District Attorney Senior Inspector whose duties were unrelated to the disturbance. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The California Highway Patrol is the venue agency conducting the traffic collision investigation. The California Department of Justice has been notified. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has yielded legal analysis to avoid a potential conflict of interest. The investigation is ongoing.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Contra Costa DA, East County officials celebrate grand opening of branch office in Pittsburg

By 1 Comment

Contra Costa DA Diana Becton (in magenta) is joined by District 5 Supervisor Shanell Scales-Preston, East County officials and others as she cuts the ribbon on the new CCDA branch office in Pittsburg on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Photo credit: Glenn Kimball, Contra Costa County Office of Communications and Media

“We’re Open for Business!”

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

On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton cut the ribbon at the Grand Opening of our newest branch office at 3890 Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg.

We were honored to have special guests join us, including District 5 County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, Pittsburg Mayor Dionne Adams, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, Pittsburg Councilman Jelani Killings, Brentwood Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza, Antioch Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, Pittsburg Police Chief Steve Albanese, Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner and NAMI Contra Costa CEO Gigi Crowder. Several delivered remarks before the ribbon-cutting ceremony and office tour.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated this milestone — two years in the making! We’re grateful for the dedication of our District Attorney’s staff who made this possible.

We’re fully staffed and ready to serve the communities of East Contra Costa County!

 

Martinez man, former San Quentin guard charged with lewd acts involving children released pending trial

By Leave a Comment

Former San Quentin Prison Correctional Sergeant William Daniel Eberly. Photo: CA Dep’t of Corrections & Rehabilitation

CCDA’s Office “profoundly troubled by the court’s decision”

Family unsure where he’s living after being evicted from trailer on prison grounds in March

“He keeps getting released and it continues to keep going away.” – Family advocate

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, 44-year-old Martinez resident, William Daniel Eberly faces multiple felony charges for alleged lewd acts upon children. He was arrested on Oct. 22, 2025, and arraigned, Thursday, Oct. 23, in Martinez on an 11-count complaint that includes forcible lewd acts on a child under 14 and lewd acts on a child aged 14 or 15. Two victims, identified in court documents as Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2, will remain anonymous to protect their privacy.

The alleged offenses occurred between November 1, 2020, and December 12, 2024, in Contra Costa County. Eberly was employed as a correctional sergeant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at San Quentin prison at the time of his arrest. Eberly pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment.

Released Pending Trial

According to an advocate for Eberly’s family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, following a pre-trial conference in Martinez Superior Court Thursday morning, Dec. 11, 2025, “he was released pending trial.”

“He hasn’t had anything to do with his children for a very long time. He has four sons with another correctional officer,” the advocate shared.

“A memorandum was sent by San Quentin dated March 20, 2025, by the warden to all employees telling them to stop Eberly at the gate, that he’s not allowed to enter institutional property,” she continued. “He’s been on leave from San Quentin since that date.”

Gate Stop Memorandum dated March 20, 2025, sent by San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Warden Chance Andes to prison staff. Source: Family’s advocate who chose to remain anonymous

“He doesn’t live with either of his ex-wives or his current wife,” the advocated stated. “Nobody knows where he lives. He may be homeless. He doesn’t actually have a residence which is shocking. He was living in a trailer on the prison grounds. But he was told to vacate when he was forced to leave the prison.”

“He was recently granted court-ordered supervised visits with his children,” she said. “But I don’t think he’s seen them in over a year.”

“They first arrested him in March, then let him go because they said they didn’t have enough evidence,” the advocate shared. “This has been going on for like four years, he’s been in and out of custody. He keeps getting released and it continues to keep going away.”

She shared concerns about the children wanting to keep their identities private and out of the public eye.

“People were calling the schools where the kids attend probably to see if he was there picking them up,” the advocate said. “They don’t know he’s been arrested or anything. They don’t need to know. They’re all really young.”

She asked the public not to post photos of the children.

“The reports about him online are wrong,” she also shared. “He’s not Latino. He’s white.”

Asked if she knows Eberly, the advocate said, “Yes, I know him. “But I haven’t seen him in over a year when he last saw the kids.”

“He was always a stickler for the rules. So, this is all very shocking,” she added.

Asked if she attended Thursday’s hearing, the advocate responded, “No. They barred all potential witnesses that the prosecution might call.”

Asked what date has been set for the trial she responded, “We do not know yet.”

Eberly was “released without having to post bail. No ankle monitor. No bail. Released on own recognizance,” the advocate repeated.

Contra Costa DA’s Office “Profoundly Troubled by the Court’s Decision”

Asked about Eberly’s release, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office issued the following statement regarding The People v. William Daniel Eberly Court ruling on 12/11/25:

“Following the presentation of evidence at the preliminary hearing, the court held the defendant William Eberly to answer on 11 felony counts of Penal Code section 288(b)(1), forcible lewd acts upon two child victims.

“During the ruling, Eberly’s defense counsel requested that the court release him from custody on his own recognizance, and a visiting judge in Contra Costa County granted that request.

“The District Attorney’s Office is profoundly troubled by the court’s decision to release Eberly from jail custody.

“In addition to the seriousness of the charged offenses and the clear danger the defendant poses to the community, the Deputy District Attorney prosecuting the case cited several additional factors weighing against release, including:

  • Prior arrests in 2013 for inflicting injury on a child, and in 2020 for inflicting injury on a spouse or cohabitant.
  •  The defendant’s abuse of a position of trust to harm two minor victims.

“Despite these objections, the court reasoned that because the defendant had no prior charges formally filed with the court and because he is a veteran, release was appropriate.

“The District Attorney’s Office will continue working diligently to pursue all available legal options to seek justice for the victims, protect the community, and hold the defendant accountable.”

As previously reported, according to localcrimenews.com, Eberly was previously arrested in 2013 by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for Contempt of Court: Disobeying a Court Order/Process and in 2020 by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.

Case No. 01-25-03633 | The People of the State of California v. William Daniel Eberly

Pleasanton man faces murder charge in San Ramon fatal DUI-related crash

By Leave a Comment

Traveling 120-150 MPH; held on $1.2 million bail; claimed life of Castro Valley woman

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged a Pleasanton man with murder in a DUI-related crash in San Ramon.

27-year-old Badal Devendra Dholaria was arraigned today, December 4th at 1:30 pm in Martinez on a five-count felony complaint. In addition to the murder charge [PC 187(a)] that led to the death of a 41-year-old Castro Valley woman, Dholaria is being charged with two counts of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury, and two counts of driving with a .08% blood alcohol content causing injury [VC23153(a) and VC23153(b)]. The DUI-related offenses each come with enhancements alleging great bodily injury both to the woman and a 40-year-old man – also from Castro Valley. (See related article)

On December 3, 2025, the San Ramon Police Department presented its findings to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Following their review, Dholaria was charged with one count of second-degree murder, and four counts of felony DUI. His bail has been set at $1.2 million, and he remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility.

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “I want to be clear: every DUI-related incident represents a choice — a choice that can kill. If you’re impaired, don’t drive. Every time you get behind the wheel under the influence, you’re gambling with lives. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal drugs, any substance that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle safely makes you a danger on our roads.”

Case No 01-25-04261| The People of the State of California v. Badal Devendra Dholaria

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-feet, three-inch tall Dholaria’s is being held in the West County Detention Facility and his bail was increased from $300,000 to now $1.2 million.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was also arrested by Concord Police on Nov 16, 2025, for resisting, obstructing or delaying and evading a peace officer.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch man charged with child sex abuse material possession

By Leave a Comment

Arrested by Walnut Creek Police, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; held on $200,000 bail

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, that a suspect in possession of child sexual abuse material faces a four-count felony complaint.

32-year-old Ryan Allen Fenton of Antioch (born 6/13/1993) was arrested in Antioch Tuesday by Walnut Creek Police on a warrant related to a complaint the District Attorney filed with the court on February 3rd, 2025. The complaint was amended and refiled on November 25th after investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found additional evidence Fenton was in possession of child sexual abuse material.

Fenton was arraigned Wednesday in Superior Court in Martinez at 10:30 am on the following:

  • Two felony counts for possessing over 600 images of child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(c)(1)].
  • Two felony counts for possessing child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(a)].

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is not a victimless crime; it is an act that perpetuates the sexual abuse of children and fuels a criminal enterprise. As District Attorney, my office treats the possession of CSAM with the utmost gravity, recognizing that every image and video represents an assault on a child.”

Fenton’s preliminary hearing is set for December 9th at 8:30 am at the A.F. Bray courthouse in Martinez in Department 6. He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $200,000 bond.

Case No. 01-25-00447 | The People of the State of California v. Ryan Allen Fenton

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 135-pound Fenton is Hispanic, but also listed as white, is now being held in the West County Detention Facility.

According to localcrimenews.com, Fenton was also arrested in 2020 in Inyo County for speeding, driving without a license and failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Martinez woman arrested, charged for stabbing daughter to death

By Leave a Comment

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.