Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are continuing to investigate a homicide in Byron.

The autopsy was performed this morning on the victim, 37-year-old Emily Courchesne of Danville. The cause of death was a gunshot wound. (See related article).

On Friday morning, at about 10:05, Deputies were dispatched to a “Medical – PD” call at a residence on the 24000 block of Marsh Creek Road in Byron.

Deputies found Courchesne deceased inside the home. Detectives later determined it was a homicide. Detectives believe Courchesne was killed sometime between Wednesday evening and Thursday early morning. No motive or suspects have been established yet.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip lines at (925) 313-1166 or (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Antioch Police Officers with Wesley, his new bike and Ron Lopez, owner of Schwinn City in Antioch. Photos by APD

Wesley’s damaged bike.

From the Antioch Police Facebook page,

On Saturday, Sept. 30, shortly after 2 pm, 10-year-old Wesley was riding his bicycle in front of his home on Bart Avenue, when a vehicle struck him from behind. The vehicle fled towards Marie Avenue, dragging Wesley’s bike underneath it. Fortunately for Wesley, he was knocked off of his bike and didn’t end up underneath the car. He still suffered multiple injuries, including a concussion, and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

With so few leads to work with, and Wesley’s bike being destroyed in the incident, Officer McElroy contacted Ron and Kelly Lopez, the owners of Schwinn City at 814 A Street.

After hearing what happened to Wesley, without hesitation, Ron and Kelly graciously agreed to split the cost of a new bike with Ofc. McElroy, and do what they could to help. All of the officers and dispatchers working day shift heard what Ofc. McElroy was doing, and chipped in their own money to help Wesley. The money donated, along with Ron and Kelly’s generosity, was enough to purchase a new bike for Wesley.

The entire APD dayshift crew helped deliver the bike to Wesley.

On Oct. 1st the entire dayshift crew and Ron Lopez, delivered Wesley’s new bike to him and his parents at their home. Ron included a new bike lock, and Antioch PD also added a new bike helmet. Wesley was beyond excited and appreciative, as were his parents.

Although the responsible driver and vehicle have not been located or identified, we are happy we could brighten Wesley’s day. The vehicle could only be described as an older grey sedan, similar in appearance to a Honda Accord. It possibly has tinted windows, and could have some front end or right-side damage.

Anyone with any information as to the location of the vehicle or the identity of the driver, please contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441, and refer any information to Officer McElroy, Case Number 17-10545.

Meat Harvest – Sean Boatright and Raman Mahal of Concord, were the Grand Champions and Ribs winners during the 1st Annual Rivertown Brews & BBQ Contest on Sat., Sept. 22.

Big Buddy Que – Chris Coffey of Antioch and buddy celebrate his 1st Place in the chicken category.

By Allen Payton

Fourteen teams competed during the 1st Annual Brews & BBQ Cook-Off competition on Saturday, Sept. 22 in Antioch’s historic downtown. The judges’ panel, made up of Mayor Sean Wright, other officials and community leaders chose the following winners in two categories of chicken and ribs, and the overall Grand Champion winners.

Grand Champion: Winners’ trophy and $250, Meat Harvest – Raman Mahal and Sean Boatright of Concord; 2nd Place trophy, Big Buddy Que – Chris Coffey of Antioch; 3rd Place trophy, Pork Dynasty – Jon Davis of Antioch.

Chicken: Winner’s trophy and $100, Big Buddy Que; 2nd Place trophy and $75, Brothers BBQ Team; 3rd Place trophy Meat Harvest.

Ribs: Winner’s trophy and $100, Meat Harvest; 2nd Place trophy and $75, Big Buddy Que; 3rd Place trophy, Pork Dynasty.

Jon, Jamison and Jessica Davis of Pork Dynasty took third place in ribs and third overall.

Presented by The Drama Factory will be the age-old tale of creation gone wrong. Very wrong. This beloved Halloween time story is staged in a dramatic fashion with the special effects, you hope for – a dark and horrific tale that has become so much a part of our lives we wonder if it can come to life again.

Nick Rodriguez Theatre at 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

Performances: 10/27, 10/28, 11/03, 11/04  at 7:30 pm and 10/28, 10/29, 11/04 at 1:30 pm

General admission $10. Seniors $8 – Free Senior Sunday 10/29 1:30 performance.

For more information visit www.dramafactory.org or call (925) 695-4123.

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are continuing to investigate a homicide in Byron. The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Emily Courchesne of Danville.

On Friday morning, October 6, 2017 at about 10:05, Deputies were dispatched to a “Medical – PD” call at a residence on the 24000 block of Marsh Creek Road in Byron. Deputies found Courchesne deceased inside the home. Detectives later determined it was a homicide. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

Anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 313-2600 or call the anonymous tip lines at (925) 313-1166 or (866) 846-3592. Tips can also be emailed to: tips@so.cccounty.us.

Stage Right Conservatory Theatre will hold auditions for the play It’s a Wonderful Life on October 16th & 17th at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.  Based on the film by Frank Capra and produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company, It’s a Wonderful Life both celebrates the season and the American philosophy of life:  that hard work, fair play, and the love and support of family and community will be rewarded.

It’s a Wonderful Life will be directed by Felicia Torrez.  There are many great roles available for actors ages 8-18. No experience necessary.  To receive your audition time, you must register online at www.srctgrp.org.  Performance dates will be December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th.  There is a $75 participation fee if cast.  For more audition and show information call (925) 216-4613.

By Sergeant James Stenger 3604 Field Services Bureau

Early Saturday morning October 7, 2017, at about 1:00 AM, both Etheley and Cummings were located safely in San Francisco. We would like to thank the public for their assistance.

ORIGINAL POST: On Friday, October 6, 2017, 12-year-old Lariece Etheley and 11-year-old Davonye Cummings left their respective residences for school. Neither of them went to school and it is believed they got on BART and went to San Francisco. One of the two contacted their guardian and stated they were in San Francisco and that they would return home after the weekend. The two have no known associates/family in San Francisco.

It was the third day in a row that Cummings and Etheley have run away from home. The first day they were found in the City of Pittsburg and the second day they were found at a park in Antioch. We are asking for the public’s help in locating the two girls.

There will be no further information released regarding this case at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.