Bail set at $2 million

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa Disrict Attorney’s Office

An Antioch woman faces a felony murder charge with an enhancement for the shooting death of a neighbor. (See related article)

37-year-old Serico Justice is currently in the Martinez Detention Facility awaiting arraignment for a felony murder charge [PC187(a)] with an enhancement of personally and intentionally discharging a firearm [PC12022.53(d)]. Justice’s use of a handgun caused the injury and death of 31-year-old Hannisha Jamilah Willis on December 27, 2022. The incident occurred on the 2300 block of Mandarin Way in Antioch, where the women lived next door to each other.

Antioch Police Department investigated the incident and reported that the shooting happened during a verbal and physical fight between the women around 2:15 pm. Justice was in possession of a handgun at the time of the altercation – a gun she armed herself with prior to the confrontation. Willis suffered a single shot to her head after Justice fired her weapon. She died later from her injuries at a local hospital.

The case was referred to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office by Antioch Police on December 28th. Charges were filed against Justice on December 29th. She’s scheduled to be arraigned on January 13, 2023, at 1:30 pm in Martinez. Her bail has been set at $2,000,000.00.

However, her arraignment was “put over” to a later date after her attorney filed a 977 Form which waived her right to a speedy trial.

04-22-01440 | The People of the State of California vs. Serico Justice

 

Seek help of nearby residents with surveillance cameras

By PIO Ashley Crandell, Antioch Police Support Services Division

On January 3, 2023, at approximately 2:17 pm, the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center received a call reporting a person shot on Deer Valley Road near Asilomar Drive. Officers immediately responded and found a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. She was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition. Through investigation, officers believed the female victim was not the intended target but was shot while driving through the area.

A second gunshot wound victim arrived at a local hospital reporting he had been shot near the same location. The male victim – who was believed to be the intended target – was found to have a gunshot wound to the leg and is also in stable condition.

Officers located multiple spent shell casings in the intersection of Deer Valley Road and Asilomar

Drive. Investigators are asking residents near Deer Valley Road and Asilomar Drive to check their surveillance cameras for anything suspicious around the time of the incident. There is no suspect information at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Gerber at (925) 481-8297 or via email: rgerber@antiochca.gov. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Enough for 3 drinks for his body weight, more than “the drink…with dinner” he admitted to; lied to CHP officer; failed field sobriety tests; refused breath test during stop

By Allen D. Payton

According to the arrest report of his DUI arrest in March Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe had a Blood Alcohol Level of .121% and .124% according to two chemical breath tests he was administered. Released by the California Highway Patrol on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, the report also reveals Thorpe failed the field sobriety tests in a variety of ways including having nystagmus which is defined as, “uncontrolled repetitive movements of the eyes” and “the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath”. Thorpe DUI Arrest 3-19-22 Report Redacted

Yet, in an apology video on his official Facebook page later that morning, Thorpe said, “I never felt inhibited by the drink I had with my dinner”. He was pulled over by CHP Officer J. Dagnino at about 1:15 AM.

The report also shows Thorpe lied to the officer about having anything to drink.

“I asked Lamar if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages prior to driving and he related he had nothing to drink,” Rosario wrote.

The report shows the 41-year-old Thorpe, who was wearing a “Michelob Ultra” wristband at the time of the stop, “was struggling to maintain a center lane position” while driving northbound on I-680 in Concord at 59 MPH.

During the field sobriety test, while standing on one leg he, “Swayed from center, left to right” and “lost his balance” during the Walk and Turn portion of the field test. Officer Dagnino wrote that he, “advised Lamar of the PAS (Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device)…and he refused to provide a sample.”

Blood Alcohol Content and Level

According to Law and Daily Life “The definition of blood alcohol content is the blood alcohol level expressed as a percentage” and “Generally one drink is considered: (1) 12 fluid oz. beer, (1) 5 fluid oz. glass of wine or (1) 1.5 fluid oz shot of hard liquor.”

The arrest report shows Thorpe weighs 120 pounds. According to the DMV’s BAC chart that means he had to have consumed at least four drinks prior to his arrest, not taking into account the reduction by 0.01% for each 40 minutes of drinking. His two tests were administered at 2:13 AM and 2:19 AM, which means his BAC was higher at the time he was driving an hour prior.

12-28-22 9:00 PM UPDATE: However, the original arrest report issued in March shows Thorpe weighs 150 pounds which according to the above chart clearly requires at least three drinks to be legally intoxicated. Chp288B.THORPE Report of Arrest 3-19-22

An email was sent to CHP PIO Andrew Barclay Wednesday evening for clarification of which weight for Thorpe is correct. Barclay responded, “His license lists 120 lbs., but as you know you can claim whatever. I would not know what his current weight is as it is inconsequential in our investigations.  The 150 could simply be a typo.”

According to reports from Antioch residents and restaurant staff members who chose to remain anonymous, Thorpe was seen drinking at an Antioch restaurant earlier that day prior to leaving the area.

Transcript of Report

Observation Prior to Contact

“On 3/19/2022 at approximately 0110 hours, I was on patrol, in full CHP uniform, driving a fully marked black and white CHP patrol vehicle, with my partner Officer J. Del Rosario #22568 (passenger). On the date and time mentioned, I was traveling northbound on I-680, just south of Monument boulevard within the #4 lane, monitoring traffic. Traffic was moderately light, and I observed a silver SUV just ahead of my location, within the #5 lane, that was struggling to maintain its center lane position. I accelerated my patrol vehicle and positioned it directly behind the silver SUV, now identified as a silver Volvo with a California license plate of (redacted) and continued to monitor the Volvo’s driving behavior. While monitoring the Volvo’s driving behavior, I observed the Volvo continue to struggle to maintain a center lane position, by crossing over the broken white lane divider line on left side and the solid white line on the right side. The Volvo was also traveling at approximately 59 MPH in a posted 65 MPH zone.

After observing the Volvo’s driving behavior, I activated my patrol vehicle’s emergency CODE 3 lights and initiated an enforcement stop on the Volvo. The driver of the Volvo applied the brakes and began to pull to the right shoulder on SR-242 northbound, just north of the I-680 transition. Using the patrol vehicle loudspeaker (PA) my partner began to instruct the driver of the Volvo to exit at the Clayton Road exit. The driver of the Volvo continued to drive on the shoulder of SR-242, until my partner directed the Volvo to turn right onto Market Street and pull to the right curb edge, just south of Clayton Road. The Volvo followed instructions given by my partner and pulled to the right curb edge, just south of Clayton Road and Market Street intersection. I parked directly behind the Volvo, exited my patrol vehicle and made a passenger side approach of the Volvo.

Observation Upon Contact

I contacted the driver, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, through a lowered passenger window and immediately detected the odor of an alcohol beverage emitting from within the Volvo. I advised the driver for the reason of the stop and asked for his license, registration, and insurance. The driver provided me with a California Driver License and was positively identified as Lamar Anthony Thorpe with a date of birth of 04/06/81 and (redacted).

Upon contact, Lamar displayed objective signs and symptoms of intoxication; watery eyes, droopy eye lids and slurred speech. Lamar was also wearing a white Michelob Ultra wristband around his right wrist and related he was on his way home from dinner. I asked Lamar if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages prior to driving and he related he had nothing to drink. I directed Lamar to exit the vehicle and meet me near my patrol vehicle to answer a series of questions and perform a series of voluntary field sobriety tests. Lamar exited his vehicle and met me on the concrete sidewalk. While speaking with Lamar outside the vehicle, I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. I asked Lamar the remainder of the Pre-FST questions which he answered accordingly. I explained and demonstrated a series of Field Sobriety Tests to Lamar, which he did not complete as explained and demonstrated.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

Lamar related he was wearing soft contact lenses. His eyes were watery, his pupils were equal, and he was able to track the tip of my finger with both eyes. He displayed the following:

• Lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes
• Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes
• Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in his right eye, at approximately 40 degrees
• Lack of convergence in his left eye.

Walk and Turn

During Walk and Turn, Lamar displayed the following:

• Lamar lost his balance during the instruction phrase. I instructed him to set back up in the starting position.
• Lamar used his arms for balance by raising them more than six inches from his sides.
• Stepped offline between steps 5 and 6, during the first set of steps
• Missed heel to toe contact by more than 1” between steps 3 & 4 of the first set.

One Leg Stand:

Lamar raised his left foot for the test, and he displayed the following:

• Swayed from center, left to right
• Used his arms for balance by raising them more than six inches from his sides.
• Put his foot down twice and was instructed to lift his foot and continue to test

Modified Rhomberg

Lamar was instructed to end the test once he reached an internal estimated count of thirty seconds, he ended the test at fifty-two seconds.

• His eyes displayed tremors
• He swayed from center, front to back
• Lamar displayed a bouncing pulse in his neck

ARREST

Due to Lamar operating a motor vehicle upon a highway, his admission to operating a motor vehicle, the distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath, his objective signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment (water eyes, slowed/ slurred speech, droopy eye lids) and his poor performance on the field sobriety tests, I determined Lamar was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and was impaired. I placed Lamar under arrest for violation of California Vehicle Code section 23152(a) VC (Misdemeanor, DU). Lamar was searched incident to arrest and placed in the front seat of my patrol vehicle. I advised Lamar of Implied Consent (23612 VC) and he chose to submit to a chemical breath test.

Lamar was transported to the CHP Contra Costa Area Office for the chosen chemical test. I observed Lamar for fifteen minutes prior to administering the chemical breath test to ensure he did nothing to compromise the test. Lamar provided two breath sample with results of .121% and .124%. I advised Lamar of Trombetta and he declined any further testing. (According to LosAngelesDUIAttorney.com, “California v. Trombetta was a Supreme Court case that found that police do not have to preserve DUI breath test samples like other evidence. It was also be used as a precedent…to establish rules for destroyed or missing evidence).

Following the chemical test, Lamar signed the CHP 215/ Promise to Appear in my presence and was released to [redacted].

EVIDENCE

Item #1            1 Compact Disc containing video of news clip/ suspect’s admission to driving while under the influence.

OTHER FACTUAL INFORMATION

The same morning following the incident, ABC 7 news uploaded an article regarding the arrest/ incident. In the video, Lamar Anthony Thorpe (Mayor Antioch, Ca) relates he was arrested by California Highway Patrol for driving under the influence. In the video, Lamar related he assumes full responsibility for his actions and admits to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. The video was copied onto a compact disc, booked into the CHP Contra Costa temporary evidence locker and a copy was attached with this report.

The patrol vehicle utilized is equipped with a Wireless Mobile Video Audio Recording System (VVMVARS) that was on at the time of the incident and which may or may not have captured all relevant information.

RECOMMENDATION

I recommended a copy of this report be forwarded to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution of Lamar Anthony Thorpe for the following charges:

• 23152(a) VC – Misdemeanor – Driving Under the Influence.
• 23152(b) VC – Misdemeanor – Driving Under the Influence over .08% BAC.”

———-

Found Guilty on One DUI Count

As previously reported, Thorpe, through his attorney, pled no contest to both charges, during his court hearing, on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. According to the Felony and Misdemeanor Clerk’s Docket and Minutes he was found guilty on the second count of DUI over .08% BAC and the other charge was dismissed. Thorpe Clerk’s Docket and Minutes 12-13-22 redacted

According to the Misdemeanor Order of Probation, Thorpe was fined $1,749 and was sentenced to two days I prison with one day credited and is eligible for the Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program for the one remaining day. Thorpe was also sentenced to three years of probation and cannot drive a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in his blood, and must attend and complete a three-month alcohol program. Thorpe Misdemeanor Order of Probation 12-13-22 redacted

He was given the Watson advisement. According to LosAngelesDUIAttorney.com, A “Watson advisement” is a formal statement you must sign after being convicted of DUI. It says you understand that driving under the influence can injure or kill people, and it can be used against you if you ever cause a DUI accident in the future. Legally, this means that you could be tried for second degree murder if your DUI kills someone.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

City’s 10th homicide of the year

By Antioch Police PIO Ashley Crandell

Following multiple 9-1-1 calls to Antioch Police Dispatch Center Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at 2:13 pm, officers immediately responded to the scene of a shooting in the 2300 block of Mandarin Way in the Sycamore neighborhood. They located an adult female, 31-year-old Hannisha Willis, lying on the sidewalk, suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. During a press conference Crandell said the victim was transported to an area hospital and was later pronounced deceased.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and took over the investigation. They learned prior to the shooting, there was a physical altercation that ensued between Willis and the suspect, Ms. Serico Justice, age 37.

Prior to the physical altercation, Justice armed herself with a firearm, which she retrieved from her residence. During the fight, the firearm discharged and struck Ms. Willis in the head. Investigators recovered the suspected firearm used in the homicide.

Detectives arrested Justice for murder, and she was incarcerated at the Martinez Detention Facility. This case will be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. This was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.

The members of the Antioch Police Department extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Hannisha Willis.

It’s the city’s 10th homicide of the year according to the Antioch Police Crime Statistics which don’t currently show the shooting death of the gas station convenience store clerk in November nor last week’s shooting death of the 16-year-old boy in a park.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Gerber at (925) 481-8297 or via email: dgerber@antiochca.gov. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Was with his cousin who was later arrested on unrelated charges

By Antioch Police Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Support Services Division

The Antioch Police Department has received additional inquiries about this incident and would like to provide the following update:

The victim of this tragic event was Thomas Smith, and he was 16 years old. He was identified by a family member who arrived on scene. He was from Mount Airy, Louisiana a community near New Orleans, and was in Antioch visiting family.

The 15-year-old juvenile that was detained in Walmart was an acquaintance of Mr. Smith’s and was arrested for charges unrelated to the homicide.

The homicide suspect remains outstanding, and this incident is still being investigated by our Investigations Bureau.

According to a report KTVU Fox 2 news report, Thomas, aka “Paulie” was Nakia Banks’ youngest child and only son. The family was visiting Banks’ sister in Antioch. The 15-year-old boy who was with Smith at the time of the shooting was his cousin.

As previously reported, on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at approximately 11:22 AM, the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center started receiving numerous 9-1-1 calls reporting multiple gunshots being fired at Williamson Ranch Park, located at 5000 Lone Tree Way. (See related article)

As officers were responding to the scene, witnesses called to report a subject running from the park and entering the near-by Walmart. Additional officers immediately responded to the Walmart, and with the assistance of several citizens, were able to quickly locate and safely detain the subject. The subject was determined to be a juvenile and in possession of a loaded firearm.

When officers arrived at the park, they located one male juvenile victim near the parking lot suffering from several gunshot wounds. Evidence at the scene indicated the incident occurred outdoors in the east portion of the parking lot. Officers immediately began administering first aid and called for emergency fire department and AMR paramedics. The victim was transported to a local area hospital emergency room, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Prior to police arrival, a dark colored sedan was seen leaving the parking lot of the park at a high rate of speed. During the preliminary investigation, it appears the victim, and the subject detained at the Walmart, arrived together on-foot, and met with the occupants of a dark colored sedan in the parking lot. Shortly afterwards, multiple shots were fired from, and/or around, the dark colored sedan.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department nonemergency line at (925)778-2441, or Detective Cox at 925-779-6866. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Lt. John Fortner and Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

Another illegal firearm off the streets due to our officers’ diligent work.

On Christmas, officers responded to Worrell Road for a dispute. While walking up to a residence associated to the incident, they noticed a male asleep in a vehicle outside the residence.

Officer Kawalya, who has been a police officer for less than six months, noticed the male was holding a firearm! Officer Kawalya and Officer Marques were able to wake the male safely and de-escalate the situation. The male put the firearm down and was safely detained.

The firearm was a “ghost” gun with no serial number and therefore could not be registered.

The situations officers face are often rapidly evolving and can be very dangerous. We commend Officers Kawalya and Marques for their good work and their dedication to keeping the citizens of Antioch safe.

 

Day after Christmas, suspect’s name is Jesus

By Antioch Police Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Support Services Division

On December 26, 2022, at 7:42 am, officers responded to the 3500 block of Clayburn Road for

the report of a fight. Prior to officers arriving, the caller advised someone had been stabbed.

When officers arrived, they located the victim who was suffering from multiple stab wounds to his upper body and head. He was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive. The suspect, 20-year-old Jesus Martinez Perez of Antioch, was located by officers in the front yard of another residence on Clayburn Road.

Jesus Martinez Perez was suffering from a stab wound to his right hand and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. He was in stable condition and will be booked into county jail for attempted homicide.

Through investigation, officers learned the suspect was related to the victim, whose name is currently being kept confidential, and this was an isolated incident. There is no threat to the public.

Four homes raided, three on same street

By Allen D. Payton

Over $14.8 million worth of illegal marijuana was seized during a raid of four homes in Antioch on Wednesday. According to David Hafner, spokesman for the California Department of Cannabis Control  (DCC), “as a result of the four enforcement actions yesterday in Antioch, 16,614 plants, 674 pounds of processed flower, $14,818,650 – total estimated value of all the unlicensed cannabis products seized, and $11,725 of cash.”

“Four people were cited and released,” he shared including a man and a woman who were occupants of a home on Mammoth Way, one of the four raided. They include two other homes on Mammoth Way and one on another nearby street. The identities of those cited was requested but not provided as of publication time.

The raid was assisted by Antioch Police and Department of Fish and Wildlife officers, as well as Antioch Code Enforcement.

At the Mammoth Way home both Cannabis Control and Fish and Wildlife Officers could be seen carrying out trays of small plants from the garage and inside the house, and large bush-size plants from inside.

“Wow,” one of the Cannabis Control officers at the Mammoth Way home could be heard saying after seeing all the plants in the garage. “As far as the count goes it’s going to be a big number”.

Another Cannabis Control officer confirmed. Asked how many plants were being seized he responded, “Almost 11,000 plants in this one house.”

The door of the one Mammoth Way home was kicked in during the raid. Code Enforcement then red tagged the homes and cannot be occupied. Neighbors of the Mammoth Way home who were watching the raid said the occupants, a man and a woman, had lived there for two to three years. Asked if they thought something might be occurring at the house one of the neighbors said, “I could smell marijuana sometimes but since it’s legal wasn’t sure if it was someone smoking.”

This is the second raid on homes for illegal marijuana in Antioch, this year. In August and September, 17 warrants were served and 10,451 unlicensed indoor cannabis plants worth $7.3 million, $23,355 in cash and six guns were confiscated. (See related article)

The DCC is the California state agency that licenses and regulates cannabis businesses. DCC regulates the:

• Growing of cannabis plants
• Manufacture of cannabis products
• Transportation and tracking of cannabis goods throughout the state
• Sale of cannabis goods
• Events where cannabis is sold or used
• Labeling of goods sold at retail