By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office

Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced that a coroner’s jury reached a finding Friday, June 3, 2023 in the January 3, 2023 in-custody death of 31-year-old Brian Love Pence, Jr. of Antioch. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is natural.

Pence was arrested on December 31, 2022, by Antioch police for misdemeanor spousal battery. Upon entering Intake, he tested positive for COVID and was assigned to a module on quarantine status and housed alone. He was screened by County Health Services and cleared for incarceration by medical and mental health staff.

On Jan. 3, 2023, at approximately 1:22 p.m., deputies conducted a room check and observed no movement from the inmate. Deputies made entry and called for jail medical staff to respond. Life-saving measures were attempted by deputies, medical staff and paramedics. He was later pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no immediate signs of trauma or anything suspicious. (See related article)

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Matt Guichard.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding:  Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

2023 Graduation Schedule:

Tuesday, June 6 – 7:00 p.m. – Prospects High School

Wednesday, June 7 – 7:00 p.m. – Bidwell High School

Wednesday, June 7 – 7:00 p.m. – Live Oak High School

Thursday, June 8 – 8:00 p.m. – Dozier-Libbey Medical High School

Friday, June 9 – 9:00 a.m. – Antioch High School

Friday, June 9 – 9:00 a.m. – Deer Valley High School

For more information visit www.antiochschools.net.

Entertaining times are returning to the Antioch Historical Museum this June. Recalling the rollicking Roaring Twenties fun time at the pre-Covid “Funeral for a Gangster,” put on by Caught in the Act Theater in September, 2019, the Museum is bringing back the theater with their western themed mystery to solve, “Death Near Dead Man’s Holler.” Ticket holders will gather on Saturday evening at 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., June 17, 2023, in the Museum’s Riverview Room, dressed in their western finest, ready to dine on western BBQ vittles at 6:00, then solve the mystery. A no-host bar will be in the Saloon Room. There will be prizes for the best costumes and best detectives.

The early-bird ticket price of $65 ends June 4, 2023, before going up to $75. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, or by mailing a check for reservations to the Museum, 1500 W. 4th St., Antioch, CA, 94509. For further information, please call the Museum at 925-757-1326.

Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

For menu and more information visit www.smithslanding.com.

Editor:

Our “new normal” seems to require acceptance of crime.

California’s Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act (prop. 47) served to decriminalize theft below $950 and embolden thieves. 

Politically correct society now pretends: a) criminals don’t exist; b) criminal acts aren’t in fact criminal: or worse, c) criminals are actually victims; and d) unhoused persons don’t commit crime.

Case in point: Slatten Ranch has a large homeless encampment behind the fence near Target. This fence has openings to allow foot traffic. Occasionally the tents get removed, but they always come back.

Target combats theft by storing products in locked cases (inconvenient, much?), but shoppers need to beware, too. Cars should be parked in a visible place with any valuables hidden from view. Cyclists can just expect to have their bikes stolen. There is no real security, just a disclaimer that stores are not responsible for customers’ lost or stolen property.

Certainly, we can choose to avoid shopping at places that become too slum-like, but the real issue is the amount of lawlessness our community accepts.

Who is in charge? How long before people say enough is enough?

Annie Ray

Antioch

Presented by Bonafide Sisterhood and Antioch Police Department

For more information visit www.bonafidesisterhood.org.

Reverend Austin Miles passed peacefully on April 12th, 2023. His life was full of adventure, accomplishments, and callings to the ministry of Jesus Christ. 

He was a professional magician, a circus ringmaster and had a successful career in movies, TV shows, and commercials. He served his country in the military and founded a ministry that trains chaplains. 

He’s survived by his loving wife Shirley Miles, daughters, Lori (Bill) Jarema and Cathy Tabbi, stepsons, Michael Teeter and Shawn (Armida) Teeter.

A memorial service will be held Saturday June 3rd at 1:00 pm at Antioch Covenant Church 1919 Buchanan Road, Antioch, CA 94509