Contra Costa Herald

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

Suspicious death in Richmond determined to be solo-vehicle fatal collision

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The victim’s pick-up truck was pulled out of the bay near Canal Blvd. in Richmond. Photo: Richmond PD

Pick-up truck driven into, extracted from bay

SFPD and Oakland PD Marine Units, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, volunteer California Recovery Divers assist

By Richmond Police Department

At approximately 11:17 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, Richmond Police Department officers responded to reports of a possible deceased person in the water near the 1300 block of Canal Boulevard.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased individual. Richmond Police Department detectives responded to the scene and investigators have determined that the incident previously being investigated as a suspicious death on Saturday is now believed to be a solo-vehicle fatal collision.

During the investigation, detectives utilized the department’s Flock Safety camera system and located video footage showing what appeared to be a vehicle entering the water near Canal Blvd. at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Based on this information, the Richmond Police Department requested assistance from the San Francisco Police Department Marine Unit, the Oakland Police Department Marine Unit, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team.

The San Francisco and Oakland Police Departments’ Marine Units with diver help locate the submerged vehicle. Photo: Richmond PD

All three agencies responded and using specialized sonar equipment and marine resources, responding personnel were able to locate a submerged vehicle. Dive teams, including members of the volunteer California Recovery Divers, then assisted in recovering the vehicle and confirmed there were no additional occupants inside.

At this time, the investigation indicates this was a solo-vehicle, fatal collision, and there is no evidence of foul play.

The Richmond Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the driver’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

We also want to thank our allied agencies for their swift response and for providing the specialized marine and dive resources that were critical in locating and recovering the vehicle.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Richmond Police Department Dispatch at (510) 233-1214.

Contra Costa Coroner’s Division seeks public’s help identifying woman killed by Amtrak train in Port Costa

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The unidentified woman had a broken heart tattoo on her inner left wrist. Photo: CCC Sheriff-Coroner’s Division

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

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Coroner’s Division is requesting the public’s assistance in trying to identify an unknown person.

On February 16, 2026, a woman was struck by a train in Port Costa. The incident was investigated by Amtrak Police and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. The person was pronounced deceased at the scene. The manner of death was later determined to be a suicide.

The Coroner’s Division took custody of the body and, despite multiple efforts, has not been able to identify the person who did not have any identification.

She is described as:  White, adult female with brown colored hair and hazel eyes. She was 5’4”, and 171 pounds. She has a small broken heart tattoo on the inner left wrist (see photo). She was wearing a black colored pullover top, black and grey plaid pants and red/white Nike athletic shoes.

Anyone with any information on the identity of the person is asked to contact the Coroner’s Division at (925) 313-2850.

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.

DA charges Butte County man with murder in Lafayette homicide

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Suspect used hatchet to kill 34-year-old Christopher Jaber

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

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has charged a Butte County man with the murder of a Lafayette resident.

35-year-old David Swank Prince is scheduled to be arraigned in court on March 25th for the murder of 34-year-old Christopher Jaber. Prince unlawfully and with malice aforethought took the life of Jaber with the use of a hatchet.

On March 21, 2026, around 11:30 am, a relative of Christopher Jaber called 911 to report a suspicious individual with a hatchet in the backyard area of their property. The caller told dispatch that the individual was breaking into an Accessory Dwelling Unit where Jaber resided. When officers from the Lafayette Police Department arrived at the scene, they located Prince a short distance from the ADU, where he was detained and subsequently arrested. (See related article)

The murder appears to be a targeted act. The investigation into the motive for the murder and whether Prince and Jaber were acquainted is ongoing.

Prince is set to be in court at 1:30 pm in Martinez on Wednesday, where he could enter a plea to the murder charge and enhancement for the use of a deadly weapon. He is currently in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Case No. 01-26-01746 | The People of the State of California v. David Swank Prince

Suspect arrested in death of 34-year-old Lafayette man

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35-year-old David Prince held on $1M bail, has history of 23 previous arrests including 11 last year

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office & Lafayette Police Department

On Saturday morning, March 21, 2026, at 11:36, Lafayette police officers were dispatched to a suspicious subject at a residence on Westminster Place in Lafayette. Officers arrived and entered the home finding a man who was deceased. A person walking nearby was detained for further investigation in connection with this incident and was later arrested.

He is identified as 35-year-old David Swank Prince (born 12-18-1990) of Chico, California.

Detectives from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office homicide unit and the crime lab responded to the scene.

Saturday evening, Prince was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on one count of murder. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

The victim in the homicide is identified as 34-year-old Christopher Jaber of Lafayette, CA.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 170-pound Prince is Hispanic.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of 23 previous arrests dating back to 2016 by multiple agencies for crimes including battery, vandalism, shoplifting, petty theft, DUI, resisting arrest, reckless driving, evasion with wanton disregard for safety, public intoxication, driving with a suspended license and evasion of public transit fare payment. In addition, Prince has lived in a variety of cities including Walnut Creek, last year, Pleasant Hill in 2023, as well as Berkeley, San Francisco, Oroville and Modesto.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information on this incident is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or through Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (925) 646-2441. 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.

85-year-old man arrested for Bay Point homicide

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Held on $1,030,000 bail

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

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office detectives investigating a homicide that occurred in Bay Point on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, arrested the suspect early Friday afternoon, March 13th. He is identified as 85-year-old Rogelio Barajas Martinez of Bay Point (born 6/13/1940).

He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on one count of murder. He is being held in lieu of $1,030,000 bail. Detectives say this incident is domestic related. The investigation is ongoing.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, six-inch tall, 180-pound Martinez has a court appearance scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Dept. 05.

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office investigates stabbing death of woman in Bay Point

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Man also found stabbed at scene

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

Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred yesterday in Bay Point.

On Wed., March 11, 2026, at about 4:27 PM, Muir Station Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to a home on the 100 block of Riverside Place in Bay Point for a medical call with a request for police response.

Deputies arrived and found a couple, a man and woman, suffering from stab wounds. The man was taken to a local hospital; the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. She is not being identified at this time.

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

Super Bowl anti-human trafficking operations net 29 traffickers, recovery of 73 victims

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Source: Santa Clara County DA’s Office

Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; CCDA, Pittsburg PD participate

By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office                 

Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.

Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.

Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”

The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.

For two weeks before the big game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.

Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa County; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized.

View the In Our Backyard 2026 Super Bowl Report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Oakley man charged with attempted murder of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy transferred from hospital to jail

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54-year-old Raymond Edward Smith held on $1.385 million bail

Began as restraining order violation

By Allen D. Payton

An Oakley man charged with attempted murder for shooting at a Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputy during an hours-long stand-off last month, was transferred from a hospital to jail on Wednesday, Feb. 18th, according to CrimeVoice.com. Raymond Edward Smith, 54-years-old (born 12/6/1971), was arrested following a self-inflicted gunshot.

As previously reported, on Monday, January 12, 2026, at about 10:50 AM, a deputy sheriff was dispatched to a call regarding a violation of a restraining order. A deputy conducted a traffic enforcement stop after locating the suspect vehicle on the 4300 block of Gold Run Drive in Oakley. Almost immediately after the stop, the driver came out of the vehicle and fired several shots at the deputy. The deputy was not struck and was able to return gunfire.

The suspect fled on foot in the neighborhood. During the search for the suspect, the Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oakley Police Department, California Highway Patrol, East Bay Regional Park Police, Brentwood Police Department, and Antioch Police Department. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiation Team, Drone Unit and a police K-9 also responded. The suspect was found barricaded at his home in the 2700 block of Placer Drive in Oakley.

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. Smith was transported to a local hospital.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 200-pound Smith is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility and his bail was set at $1,385,000. UPDATE: However, according to Sheriff’s Office Director of Public Affairs Jimmy Lee, Smith is being held on no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26th at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court Department 5.

Also, according to CrimeVoice.com, his “bond amount is a cumulative total and involves three other cases filed against Smith for prior unrelated offenses.

  • $1.25 million for attempted murder of peace officer, and assault with a firearm
  • $100,000 for violation of a domestic violence restraining order
  • $25,000 for an outstanding warrant related to package thefts
  • $10,000 for additional misdemeanor warrants

“One of Smith’s other pending cases involves second-degree burglary in Discovery Bay. Smith is
accused of stealing packages from porches last year in December.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Smith was also arrested in December 2013 by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department for assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and in May 2024 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for Warrants or Holds Only.

Robbery suspects wanted in multiple Contra Costa jurisdictions in custody

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Jarmaya Tillman of Antioch (left) and Allen Charles Benjamin Foster of Oakland (right) were arrested for bank robbery on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Photos: CCC Sheriff’s Office

From Antioch and Oakland, each with history of arrests

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

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at about 1:01 PM, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Valley Station deputy sheriffs responded to a report of a robbery at a bank on the 3100 block of Danville Boulevard in Alamo.

The suspect and vehicle descriptions were broadcast to area law enforcement agencies. Danville police were able to identify a license plate associated with the suspect vehicle and began searching for it.

Lafayette police officers also began searching for the suspect vehicle in the downtown area and witnessed an attempted robbery outside a bank on the 3600 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd. The suspect ran to a waiting vehicle, which fled toward Lafayette Circle. Lafayette police later located the unoccupied car parked on Lafayette Circle.

A replica firearm found in one of the suspects’ backpacks. Photo: CCC Sheriff’s Office

Lafayette police were able to detain two suspects near East Street and determine they were the suspects in the Lafayette attempted robbery and the Alamo robbery. A search of the suspect’s backpack found a replica Glock firearm. Another police department in the area is investigating a similar incident just prior to the Alamo robbery.

Jarmaya Tillman, 23-years-old from Antioch (born 4/13/2002) and 20-year-old Allen Charles Benjamin Foster of Oakland (born 3/28/2005), were arrested for robbery, attempted robbery and two counts of conspiracy.

Both suspects were booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

Tillman is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail, while Foster’s bail is set at $150,000.

During the search for the suspects, Valley Station deputy sheriffs and Lafayette police were assisted by Danville PD, Orinda PD, Moraga PD and Concord PD.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Tillman is five-feet, 11-inches tall and 160-pounds and Foster is five-feet, 10-inches tall and 195-pounds.

According to localcrimenews.com, Tillman is Black and while an Oakland resident was arrested three times in 2020 and 2021 for burglary, with one arrest including charges for minor in possession of live ammunition and minor shall not be in possession of any concealed firearm.

Foster is Black and this is his ninth arrest since 2023 by five other agencies for crimes including multiple counts of vehicle theft, grand theft, robbery, receiving stolen property and gun charges.

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

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.