Nearly 16 years after the killing of a Pittsburg man, DNA evidence has led to the arrest of his killer. On June 7, 2023, Pittsburg Police Department detectives arrested 40-year-old Desante Lavelle Blake of Antioch for the 2007 murder of Larry Abercrombie.
On June 8th, 2007, Abercrombie was found suffering from gunshot wounds in front of his home in the 200 block of S. Catamaran Circle. Despite an extensive investigation at the time, no arrests were made, and the case remained unsolved for nearly two decades.
Recently, a Pittsburg Police Department Cold Case detective, who has been actively working this case, submitted evidence collected from the crime scene to the Contra Costa County Crime Lab for additional DNA testing, utilizing modernized technology. The crime lab was able to get a DNA match for the suspect and after a thorough investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for Blake’s arrest. Detectives also conducted a search warrant at Blake’s home in Antioch where additional evidence was located that further implicated him in the crime. Blake was booked into the Contra Costa County Jail for murder.
Additionally, the case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which filed murder charges against Blake.
“Pittsburg PD is dedicated to solving unsolved cases and bringing justice to victims and their families,” said Chief Steve Albanese, “The arrest in this cold case homicide serves as a reminder that justice can be served no matter how much time has passed.”
If anyone has additional information related to this case, we ask you to please contact the Investigations Division at 925-252-4151
Police, fire department personnel investigate the scene of Mykaella Kayla Sharlman’s body found on fire along the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail in Antioch, Monday morning, Oct. 17, 2022. Herald file photos
People vs. Montalvo and Boone cases can be brought back; among cases under review by DA, Public Defender; suspects released; responding officers, lead detective not implicated in texting scandal
By Allen D. Payton
According to Public Information Officer Ted Asregadoo, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office determined the prosecution of The People of the State of California vs Ashton Montalvo and Deangelo Boone could not proceed to trial and moved to dismiss the case.
A dismissal at this juncture affords the District Attorney’s Office the ability to refile criminal charges against Montalvo and Boone and reinitiate legal action if new evidence is developed.
In this case, the prosecution of 42-year-old Deangelo Laraye Boone of Antioch and 33-year-old Ashton Kentrell Montalvo, of either Bay Point or Antioch, for mutilation and arson of the remains of 25-year-old Mykaella Kayla Sharlman found on the Mokelumne Trail in Antioch on October 17, 2022, relied heavily on the investigative work of Antioch Police Officers who are associated with racist text communications. (See related articles here, here, here, here and here)
After thoroughly reviewing the officers’ role in this case, applying relevant legal principles, and considering ethical responsibilities, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office no longer has confidence in the integrity of this prosecution.
“Our office extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Mykaella Sharlman and we aspire to renew this prosecution if presented with the opportunity to do so,” Asregadoo shared.
Case No. 04-22-01086 | The People of the State of California vs. Montalvo, Ashton
Case No. 04-22-01085 | The People of the State of California vs. Boone, Deangelo Laraye
As previously reported, District Attorney Diana Becton, Public Defender Ellen McDonnell, Betty Barker from the Alternate Defender Office, and the Director of the Contra Costa Conflict Program, Oksana Tsykova met in April to discuss the creation of a process to address cases affected by the disclosure of cruel, racially insulting, and hostile text messages written or received by members of the Antioch Police Department.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office is working to identify cases that are potentially compromised by the text messages. Once we’ve identified those cases – and any overlapping conflicts — they will initiate a detailed review process for potential dismissal, resentencing, or the preservation of convictions.
The DA’s Office was asked for the names of the officers associated with the two cases and if the suspects have been released. Asregedoo responded, “APD should have the information on what officers were involved in the investigation of the Boone/Montalvo case. As to whether both men are out of custody, unless they have holds on priors, they are likely out.”
“The texting scandal was only part of it,” he added. “There were other issues with the case. But we’re hopeful APD can pursue other investigative avenues and bring more evidence to review for a charging decision.”
Antioch Police Department PIO Corporal Price was then asked for the names of the officers and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jimmy Lee was asked if the suspects had been released. publication time.
Lee responded, “They are no longer in custody.”
UPDATE: Kendall responded, “We will not be releasing the names of the officers involved in the investigation. However, none of the officers that initially responded to the call or the lead detective that filed the case were implicated in the text messages.”
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
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.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects (pictured).
Take no action to apprehend these persons yourself. If you have any information about this incident, please call 1-877-876-2455 (say “Law Enforcement”). Reference Case No. 4030903-ROBB. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Efforts to reach Antioch Police Department PIO, Corporal Price Kendall for additional details were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Possibly domestic violencerelated; City’s second homicide this month
By Lt. John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
On Thursday, 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 43-year-old male victim was transported to a local area hospital, and the 39-year-old 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. During the preliminary investigation, it appears the victims and the suspect knew each other, and this homicide is likely domestic (violence) in nature.
Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Currently, detectives are interviewing witnesses and residents in the area and are working to identify any suspects or persons of interest. The investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected.
This is the City’s second homicide of the month.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Duffy, aduffy@antiochca.gov at (925) 779-6884, or Detective Gragg, rgragg@antiochca.gov at (925) 779-6889. You may also text-a-tip anonymously to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.
An officer in the top of the Antioch Police Department’s MRAP shot multiple non-lethal rounds into the Aster Drive apartment where the suspect had barricaded himself on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Herald file photo
By Allen D. Payton
At the request of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe, following comments from two members of the public, one who thought it was put to good use, the city council members discussed the police department’s MRAP military vehicle during their meeting Tuesday night, May 23, 2023. They agreed to keep it for now and at the request of District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica, APD staff will search for a non-military alternative.
The Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) military light tactical vehicle was donated to the City by the federal government. As previously reported, the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency’s 1033 program allows the Pentagon to give extra military equipment to local police departments across the United States. It’s part of their mission of disposing obsolete and unneeded excess property turned in by U.S. military units around the world. The type of property ranges from military-specific equipment and vehicles to generic office furniture, computers, medical items, and shop equipment. (See related article)
The department relabeled it a “Rescue Vehicle” and uses it for intense situations including stand-offs with armed suspects as occurred a few times in the past two years. (See related article)
“The only thing I would ask is, I don’t believe we need the tank,” Thorpe stated. “There are alternatives to the tank. I don’t think we need this. The MRAP was designed for something completely different. The MRAP was not designed for the streets of Antioch. Police officers are not trained with the MRAP. Given where we’re out I don’t think it looks good for Antioch. There’s no room for militarized equipment. I hope council can agree to that.”
“We would like to look at an alternative, too…moving into the 21st Century…if council is interested,” said Lt. Joe Vigil.
“There are armored vehicles that we can look at that keep our community safe,” District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said. “I’m willing to do it…working with the chief, maybe the mayor pro tem, something that’s law enforcement based. There are plenty of them out there. I’m definitely willing to work with the chief and work through any proposals and bring it back to council for discussion.”
“I don’t necessarily know what the MRAP is used for. People say it looks scary,” said Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker. “I do believe there is a necessity to use such a vehicle in the community…to keep people safe. While the council pursues a different vehicle that’s more suitable…that will come at a cost. The MRAP that we all want off the streets will stay in commission while trying to obtain a different vehicle.”
“Mayor Pro Tem, there are some options to reduce those costs. There are grant programs,” Vigil responded. “We are willing to explore every option.”
“I do believe the police department is capable of finding an alternative. I don’t believe it’s necessary to form a committee,” Thorpe said.
“It’s the policy that I’m concerned about,” Torres-Walker responded.
“Let’s separate those things,” Thorpe stated.
“Because it’s not coming from the military it will be purchased,” Vigil explained. “We would either sole-source or send out an RFP and bring it before council.”
“I think she’s talking about policy, when we deploy it,” Thorpe said. “And any policy for the police department would come before the Police Oversight Commission.”
“To clarify, the current vehicle stays in operation until we find another vehicle,” Barbanica stated.
“I’m open to that and to immediately appointing people to the Police Oversight Commission,” Torres-Walker said with a chuckle.
“As soon as my support is hired,” Thorpe responded. “I’m not a secretary. I don’t coordinate people’s schedules.”
City Attorney Thomas L. Smith asked for a motion and vote which Barbanica attempted to make. But because Thorpe said the policy included with the agenda item was incomplete, the item must return for a future council vote.
