One suspect celebrated his 54th birthday in county jail, 30-year-old female accomplice has history of arrests

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Police Department shared on Thursday, June 4, 2026, “We teamed up with the Target Corporation for a proactive enforcement operation at our local Target store on Lone Tree Way. The mission was clear: disrupt organized retail crime, stop ongoing theft, and keep our shopping centers safe through proactive surveillance and rapid intervention.

“Thanks to the seamless teamwork between our officers and Target’s asset protection team, the operation successfully removed a dangerous weapon and multiple offenders from our streets.

“The Results:

• 2 Felony arrests
• 3 Misdemeanor arrests
• Approx. $1,000 in stolen merchandise recovered
• 1 Illegally possessed, loaded handgun seized.

“We deeply value our local business owners and workers. We remain committed to working hand in hand with them to prevent crime, protect their livelihoods, and ensure a safe environment for everyone who lives, works, and shops in Antioch.”

Felony Suspect Celebrates Birthday in Jail, Female Accomplice Has History of Arrests

According to Antioch PD CitizenRIMS, arrested on Thursday, June 4, 2026, were 54-year-old Robert Jack Murley on his birthday, and 30-year-old Sarah Lynn Garcia, together, as well as 51-year-old Patrick Joseph McCloud and 27-year-old Giovanna Elizabeth Villanueva Vela.

6/10/26 UPDATE: According to Lt. Franco Caesar, the fifth person arrested was Eric Linsey, an 18-year-old Black male from Antioch who stole lotion and cheese. He was charged with a misdemeanor.

The five-foot, eight-inch tall, 165-pound Murley is White and was arrested at 1:31 p.m. for five felonies. His charges include conspiracy to commit a crime (F), carrying a concealed weapon on a person (F), possession of a non-registered firearm (F), felon or addict in possession/etc. of a firearm (F), and petty theft with two or more priors – shoplifting (F).

The five-foot, three-inch tall, 115-pound Garcia is White, was also arrested at 1:31 p.m. for two felonies. She was charged with petty theft with two or more priors – shoplifting (F) and conspiracy to commit a crime (F).

Murley’s and Garcia’s Case Number is 26-5110 and the Incident Number is 2606040140.

The six-foot, three-inch tall, 180-pound McCloud is White and was arrested at 12:39 p.m. and/or 7:00 p.m. for misdemeanor shoplifting. He was issued a summons and cited. His Case Number is 26-5125.

The five-foot, two-inch tall, 135-pound Villanueva Vela is Hispanic and was arrested at 4:38 p.m., also for misdemeanor shoplifting. She was also issued a summons and cited. Her Case Number is 26-5117 and the Incident Number is 2606040140.

According to Antioch PD CitizenRIMS the details of Linsey’s arrest are as follows:

Shoplifting (M)  Crime: 459.5(A) PC  Crime Type: Larceny/theft  Crime Classification: Misdemeanor
Address: 5700 Block of Lone Tree Way, Antioch  Occurred: 6/4/2026 at 4:40 PM
Case Number: 26-5119 Incident Number: 2606040140

No additional information about the suspect could be found in an online search.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Murley, born 6/4/1972, is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Garcia, born 3/22/1996, is Hispanic and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail. She has an out-of-county court date scheduled for June 8th at 1:30 p.m.

According to localcrimenews.com, Garcia is from Antioch and has a history of 11 arrests since 2023, for crimes including vehicle theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property, possession of burglar’s tools, drug possession and on March 24th by Antioch Police for false impersonation of another in his/her private or official capacity for a second time.

According to localcrimenews.com, McCloud lives in Richmond and was arrested Oct. 4, 2025, for possession of a narcotic controlled substance and on March 25, 2026, for warrants or holds only.

46-year-old Donald Guenther has history of over 30 arrests

By Antioch Police Department

On May 27, 2026 the Antioch Police Department posted the following: “WTF! We saw your post, recognized your vandal and located him yesterday. He was booked into the Martinez Main Jail on felony vandalism charges.

“Over last weekend an uncouth vandal took aim at the front windows of the WTF restaurant on Hillcrest Avenue with a rock. After seeing the photos of the responsible on video, several officers recognized him. Teams immediately responded to the area and located him several blocks from the crime scene. He was arrested without issue and booked into Jail.

“Thanks for your continued support Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Restaurant Bar & Grill.”

According to the Antioch Police CitizenRIMS the incident occurred on Saturday, May 23rd at 1:06 AM. The suspect was identified by Captain Matt Koch on Thursday, June 4th as 46-year-old Donald Guenther of Antioch.

According to localcrimenews.com, Guenther has a history of over 30 arrests dating back to 2014. He was charged with rape, multiple times with vandalism including for over $5,000 a few times, gun and drug crimes, failure to appear, as well as receiving stolen property and unlawful use of willfully obtained personal identifying information.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Debbie Blaisure

Just a gentle reminder that the next Downtown Antioch Association meeting is this Wednesday, May 20th at The Lemon Tree! Thank you to Nicole Holmes for hosting this month! Come to hear what our next steps are for the DAA! We would love to hear your input and feedback on things to come!

The Lemon Tree is located at 514 W. 2nd Street. For more information visit https://thelemontreeantioch.com.

For more information about the DAA visit https://antiochdaa.com or www.facebook.com/AntiochDAA.

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Application Deadline: May 24

By Antioch Recreation Department

Join us for an evening of culture, community, music, food, and celebration at the City of Antioch’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration!

Friday, June 19

4PM–8PM

Williamson Ranch Park (corner of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue)

We’re looking for:

• Local Vendors
• Food Vendors
• Community Organizations

Celebrate freedom, culture, and community with live music, poets, dancers, games, rides, and family fun for all ages.

Apply today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visit:

www.antiochca.gov/218/Juneteenth-Celebration

Applications close May 24

Space is limited. Don’t miss out!

The Antioch Farmers’ Market in the Rivertown district brings together 25 truckloads of fresh produce and prepared foods from local family farms and artisans on Sundays, 9am to 1pm. Featuring the famous super sweet white corn from Brentwood, tree-ripened apricots from Patterson, peaches and nectarines from Hughson, vine-ripe strawberries and organic vegetables from Hollister. Farm fresh eggs, Asian vegetables, freshly baked breads and pastries! The Antioch Farmers’ Market is hosted by the City of Antioch and sponsored by the Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

For more information visit Antioch Farmers’ Market — California Farmers’ Markets Association.

To celebrate Small Business Week and support local entrepreneurs

By Nicole Holmes

The Bloom Market will debut this week as a community-centered event celebrating Small Business Week, beginning Sunday, May 3. Hosted in Antioch, the market is designed to uplift local entrepreneurs, connect residents to small businesses and activate community space through wellness, commerce, and engagement.

This first Bloom Market is free to the public (and vendors) and was made possible through a grant supporting community programming in Antioch. 

Programming for the event includes a fitness session led by Coach Capri featuring an extreme hip-hop workout, live DJ entertainment throughout the day, and two rounds of community bingo at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Attendees can also expect a curated vendor marketplace, entrepreneur resource tables, light bites, and specialty beverages including dirty sodas.

Organizers emphasize that the Bloom Market is both a celebration and an experiment in community engagement, designed to assess interest and build momentum for future recurring markets throughout the summer.

Event Details:

Bloom Market – Small Business Week Kickoff

• 514 W. 2nd Street, Rivertown, Antioch (The Lemon Tree)
• 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Free and open to the public
• Family-friendly event

For more information visit the Bloom Market Facebook page.

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By Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, officers with the Antioch Police Community Engagement Team responded to a report of an unhoused individual trespassing on private property. When Officers Riosbaas and Shipilov arrived, they made contact with a young man named Harry. During their conversation with Harry, he explained that he had been experiencing homelessness for an extended period of time and was making efforts to obtain employment, so he could afford housing and transportation, but had been unsuccessful so far despite applying to several local businesses.

Officers used their contacts with Mena, the owner of 7-Eleven on Sunset Lane and Davison Drive, and gave Mena Harry’s contact information. Within 15 minutes Mena called Harry and set up a job interview while officers Riosbaas and Shipilov were still on scene. Harry was extremely grateful for the opportunity! Officers gave Harry some pointers for the interview and he aced it! Harry was hired and his first day of work was April 26, 2026.

Officers Riosbaas and Shipilov checked in on Harry on Tuesday, April 28 to congratulate him on his success and took the opportunity to pose with him and Mena.

These are the contacts that make a difference in our community. At the Antioch Police Department, our Community Engagement Team is committed to more than just enforcement. They’re here to build relationships, connect people with resources, and help create pathways to success.

This is just one example of how collaboration, compassion, and proactive policing can positively impact lives. We would like to thank Mena for being willing to give Harry an opportunity, and we wish Harry continued success in this next chapter.