Suspect in May shooting death of Antioch woman arrested, charged with murder
Also shot her husband over domestic relationship; bail set at $35 million
By Lt. John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
As previously reported, on May 25, 2023, at approximately 8:45 PM, the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center started receiving numerous 9-1-1 calls reporting multiple gunshots being fired at the 4400 block of Delta Fair Boulevard.
As officers were responding, witnesses called to report two victims were down on the ground and yelling for help. When officers arrived at the scene, they located two victims outside. One male victim was suffering from at least two gunshot wounds to his legs, and one female victim was suffering from what appeared to be two gunshot wounds to the head. Evidence at the scene indicated the incident occurred outdoors in front of several residences. Officers immediately began administering first aid and called for fire department and AMR paramedics. The male victim was transported to a local area hospital, and the female victim ultimately succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Prior to police arrival, the suspect fled the area in a vehicle and has not been contacted by police. Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and took over the investigation. During the initial investigative response to this shooting homicide, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit developed information that the suspect was in a domestic relationship with the 39-year-old victim.
Detectives learned that earlier in the day, the suspect traveled to the victim’s residence and became involved in an altercation with both victims. During that altercation, the suspect fired several shots at a 43-year-old male resident, striking him twice. The male victim was later determined to be the homicide victim’s husband. Afterwards, the suspect turned the gun on the female victim and shot her in the head and upper back. The suspect fled from the scene and was not contacted that evening.
During the course of the investigation, and from evidence at the scene processed by the Forensic Services Division (of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office), the suspect was identified as 46-year-old Brian Yacopetti of Antioch, a subject on parole for assault.
On May 30, 2023, detectives with the Special Investigations Unit teamed with the United States Marshals Service to locate Yacopetti, and safety take him into custody, in the City of Brentwood. Yacopetti was transported and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, lead detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit presented the case to the District Attorney’s Office. After reviewing the case, the District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Yacopetti for Murder, Attempted Murder, Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and several criminal sentence enhancements. Bail was set at $35 million dollars.
The Antioch Police Department would like to thank the community for their cooperation, and the Contra Costa County Forensic Services Division, and US Marshals Service for their assistance.
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Brian Yacopetti
