Councilwoman shares that woman said she was potentially pregnant, and her mother said detective told her victim miscarried week prior; detective says he told her mother he didn’t know

Suspect located at a train station in Redwood City

By Darryl Saffold, Strategic Communications Officer, Antioch Police Department

UPDATE 2/01/2022 – Issued 2/4/2022

On January 30th, 2022, John Henderson Walton was arrested in connection to the murders of 30-year-old Alexis Parson and 15-year-old Malik El-Ameen that two days before. Parson and El-Ameen were positively identified by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office. It was determined both died from blunt force trauma. (See related article)

Walton Jr., 34 years old, is currently in police custody and is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on a no-bail warrant for murder. Additional information learned through the course of this investigation revealed that Walton had a non-extraditable warrant for his arrest for a domestic violence-related incident out of Georgia.

Following the autopsy, the Coroner confirmed that Parson was not pregnant.

This case is being presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022, for formal charges.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

On January 29, 2022, at approximately 8:18 PM, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received a request for a welfare check on the 2100 block of Lemontree Way. A concerned citizen had not seen or heard from their neighbor in several days and was worried about them.

At approximately 8:21 PM, Antioch Officers arrived in the area and looked through a window to the apartment, when there was no answer at the front door. Upon looking through the window, Officers could see a black 15-year-old juvenile unresponsive on the floor.

Due to the concern for life, Officers forced entry into the apartment and found the juvenile was deceased. Worried about any other occupants inside the apartment, Officers searched for other people and located a 30-year-old female deceased in an upstairs room. Both victims suffered from obvious trauma and this incident was determined to be a homicide.

Antioch Investigators and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene and were able to develop suspect information, which was broadcast to other police agencies throughout the Bay Area. An alert Redwood City officer located the suspect at a train station in Redwood City and took him into custody.

It was determined through this investigation that the 34-year-old suspect was in a relationship with the 30-year-old female and the 15-year-old male was the suspect’s biological son.

Parson Not Pregnant, Councilwoman Knew Victims

As previously reported, it was both rumored, as well as believed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who shared that Parson was pregnant.

“I knew these humans. I worked with the mother and the son she was looking forward to (a) healthy baby,” the councilwoman wrote.

Asked if Parson had other children, Torres-Walker responded, “No. But she was looking forward to this baby.”

“This didn’t have to happen, but I guess politics matters more than people,” the councilwoman also wrote, referring to Mayor Lamar Thorpe not supporting or placing her proposal on a council agenda of hiring four more officers for the Sycamore area of Antioch, where the double homicide occurred. (See related articles here and here)

Saffold reiterated that the male suspect and woman who was killed were in a relationship. He added that they from Georgia where the suspect had outstanding warrants for domestic violence against her.

Councilwoman Shares Parson Said She Was Possibly Pregnant and Victim’s Mother Claims Detective Told Her She Had Miscarried

On Friday, February 4, 2022, Torres-Walker shared with the Herald what Parsons had told her about being pregnant.

“I thought I would share with you that my friend Alexis informed us before she was murdered that she was potentially pregnant and at risk of miscarrying due to pre-existing health conditions,” the councilwoman shared. “That was the last time I heard or saw her then she ends up dead.”

“The police department originally said she was, based on interactions with John’s family then after the Coroner’s report said she wasn’t pregnant,” Torres-Walker continued. “Then her mother said the detective told her she miscarried the week before. Pregnant or not this was tragic and shouldn’t have happened to anyone. I hope this sets the record straight.”

“I feel like you at least try to reach out and get both sides. So, thank you,” she added.

02/05/22 9:05 AM UPDATE: Saffold was asked late Friday night to confirm with the detective on the case what Torres-Walker said Parson’s mother shared with her.

Saffold responded, “from my understanding, per the autopsy, there were no signs of pregnancy or miscarriage. But I want to make sure. I may not get a response back tonight, though.”

“I spoke to the detective. He said he told the victim’s mother she was not pregnant and when she asked about a miscarriage, he said he didn’t know,” Saffold continued. “I confirmed with the other detective that attended the autopsy that she was not pregnant, nor did she miscarry.”

Police Won’t Yet Say When Murders Occurred

Saffold was asked when the murders occurred since the bodies weren’t discovered until Saturday night, the suspect was arrested on Sunday and the police are claiming the victims died several days before. He responded, “we aren’t releasing that information at this time.”

Ogorchock Also Calls for More Police

On Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock told the Herald, “on the Feb. 8 council meeting agenda, the mayor needs to place the hiring of more police officers as Mayor Pro Tem Barbanica requested at the meeting of Jan 23rd. This is not a political issue. It’s a matter of public safety. Our residents should come before any individuals’ political agenda. The safety of our residents should be the number priority of this council. Only the mayor can place items on the agenda and this needs to become his priority.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Arrested in 2012 for making pipe bombs

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Police have confirmed that the man who died from what appears to be wounds from the explosion of a home-made bomb near two schools, Monday morning, Jan. 31, 2022, was Antioch resident Frank Trout. Speculation was rampant on social media Monday evening, with people posting a 2012 Antioch Herald article about Trout being arrested for making pipe bombs.

Asked if Trout was indeed the deceased man from Monday’s incident, and having the article shared with him, Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold simply replied Tuesday morning, “same guy.”

However, it wasn’t until today, Friday Feb. 4, that Antioch Police officially identified Trout as the deceased. (See related article)

Saffold issued the following press release providing more details about the incident:

On January 31, 2022, at approximately 7:32 AM, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received a call of a subject down on the ground in the area of West Seventeenth Street and F Street. It was discovered that the subject, who was identified as Antioch resident Frank Trout, suffered from a self-inflicted detonation of an improvised explosive device which caused a fatal injury. After a long and extensive search of the area, with the assistance of numerous allied agencies, it was determined there is no threat to the community.

At approximately 7:38 AM, Antioch officers arrived in the area and located Trout lying on the ground after it was apparent, he suffered from severe trauma and was unresponsive. After his vitals were assessed. It was determined Trout was deceased and appeared to have been in possession of an improvised explosive device. Upon further investigation of the area surrounding Trout’s body, exposed wiring on an unknown origin was located. Out of an abundance of caution, several schools in the area were notified and a shelter in-place was issued. Simultaneously, numerous allied agencies were notified and were requested to assist with efforts to confirm there were no outstanding devices and that there was no threat to the community.

With the assistance of Walnut Creek Police Department’s Bomb Squad, FBI Bomb Squad, ATF, Coast Guard Bomb Sniffing K-9 Team, Department of Homeland Security, BART PD Bomb Sniffing K-9 Team, Contra Costa County Fire Department, and American Medical Response the following schools were thoroughly searched and determined to be safe for all students and staff: Antioch Middle School, Freemont Elementary School, Bridges Continuation School, Live Oak High School. In addition to the protective sweeps of the area schools, the adjacent neighborhood streets were searched and determined to be safe for residents.

The shelter in-place was lifted as soon as it was determined this was an isolated incident.

Due to the ongoing and active nature of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time. Updates may be made available on the Antioch Police Departments social media pages.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)481-8297 or at Rgerber@Antiochca.gov. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Shootout in Sycamore area; one officer’s relentless efforts lead to arrest of suspect in another shooting

By Darryl Saffold, Strategic Communications Officer, Antioch Police Department

On Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, at 2:19 hours, there was a shootout between two subjects on Peppertree Way. One of the subjects was identified as 28-year-old Joshua Hawkins.

A warrant was later issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody on Thursday, the 3rd.

Unfortunately, some residents of Antioch are all too familiar with “whodunit” stories. With that said, one of our intrepid officer’s diligence led to one of these mysteries being solved🕵️‍♂️.

Earlier this week, some of your fellow residents were subjected to numerous shots being fired in their neighborhood. Even while being startled after hearing the gunfire, nearby and vigilant security guards dialed 911.

Officer Milner was one of the officers dispatched to the scene. Even though there was very little in the way of initial information, Officer Milner worked tirelessly over the next few days.

Through Milner’s work ethic, he was able to discover the responsible party’s identity and gather evidence in this investigation. Armed with this information, Milner obtained a warrant and arrested the individual responsible for this incident.

Every day our officers are solving cases and doing their best to keep the city safe. This was just one great example of the work ethic and determination that our officers pride themselves in. Great work Officer Milner! -6136

Issue wanted poster

By Antioch Police Department

Antioch PD Detectives are requesting help in locating a murder suspect, Darvin David Heath. A felony warrant has been issued for Heath’s arrest for first-degree murder.

On Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, Heath shot and killed an Antioch resident in an unprovoked attack, in the middle of the day, in the parking lot of 2958 Delta Fair Boulevard, the location of Super Wine & Liquor.  (See related article)

Heath is described as a black male, 62 years old, 5’9”, 165lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.

Heath is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information as to Heath’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Duffy at (925)779-6884 or at aduffy@antiochca.gov.

Witness who heard explosion, felt blast and saw smoke says another man was standing next to victim

Considered a suspicious death by APD, not homicide

Woman killed in Saturday night double homicide not pregnant

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold, an unknown Caucasian man appearing to be in his mid-50’s died from apparent self-inflicted wounds to his upper body caused by an improvised explosive device, Monday morning. The incident occurred at the south end of F Street near W. 17th Street near Live Oak High School and just outside the fence line of Antioch Middle School.

The APD Dispatch first received a call about 7:30 AM after someone discovered the body. Officers arrived on the scene, but no identification was found on the body.

It was first believed to be the city’s fourth or fifth homicide of the month and year, and early reports claimed the man died from gunshot wounds due to the placement of multiple, yellow, plastic evidence markers. But according to Saffold, those “indicate items of importance such as matter”, meaning pieces of the body of the deceased, and no shell casings were located at the scene.

The man’s body showed he had “suffered severe trauma to his face and right hand” and was “possibly homeless,” Saffold stated. “There were wires near the body. The way the body was positioned he was on top of the wires.”

As a result, the Walnut Creek Police Bomb Squad was called out.

Saffold held two press conferences about the incident on Monday. View them on the Antioch Herald Facebook page, here and here. (Apologies for the poor sound quality. Please be sure to turn up your speakers.)

Live Oak Classes Cancelled, Students Shelter in Place at Nearby Schools

Classes were cancelled at Live Oak and the teachers were sent home about 9:15 AM. as APD expanded the crime scene. Asked why, one officer said “We have reasons to believe there are safety reasons. They’re calling the bomb squad.” Up until that point APD was not sure the cause of the man’s death.

At 9:30 AM, an announcement could be heard from the neighboring Antioch Middle School loudspeaker for the students to shelter in place and their parents were being called.

Students at the adjacent Fremont Elementary Schools were also required to shelter in place. In addition, the “Out of an abundance of caution” Saffold said, APD asked all people within the area of “F Street between West 11th to West 17th Streets” to shelter in place, as police from several agencies, including Homeland Security, searched for other possible explosive devices. The shelter in place was lifted at 2:27 PM.

Live Oak Principal Tim Cooper said the students will return to school, tomorrow.

Witnesses Heard Explosion, Saw Smoke, One Felt Blast Saw Second Man at Scene

Sean Ledesma, who lives on W. 19th Street near the Antioch Library on W. 18th Street, said he was outside at the time having a smoke before getting ready to go to work, and heard an explosion at 5:45 AM.

“I jumped and immediately looked over in the direction of the schools and saw smoke rising up and the smoke reached as high as a nearby tree,” he said.  “It shook the ground. It was so close I felt the blast. It was immediate.”

“I saw a second man, there. He looked like he was in shock,” Ledesma continued. “It didn’t look like he was in a hurry to leave, and I was wondering why, if a bomb just went off.”

“I’ve heard explosions in Antioch, before. This one was different,” he stated. “I thought someone was just messing around with M-80’s. But what threw me off was how high the smoke went up and just stayed there.”

“I wondered, what was he doing between schools? Did he have bigger plans? Did the bomb go off accidentally?” Ledesma shared. “I took it that the other guy standing there didn’t expect as large of an explosion.”

Asked if he had spoken to police about what he had witnessed, Ledesma responded, “I haven’t spoken to police, yet.”

An APD Community Service Officer was nearby and took Ledesma’s name and information.

Another Antioch resident, named Mike, who said he was collecting recyclables on F Street near the corner of W. 17th Street at the time of the man’s death, also heard the explosion. He left the area before any additional information could be shared while Ledesma was being interviewed by the Herald.

Woman Killed Saturday Night Not Pregnant

It was also later shared by Saffold, that the 30-year-old female victim in the double homicide, Saturday night, was not pregnant, as was both rumored, as well as believed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who shared that view with the Herald on Sunday night.

“I knew these humans. I worked with the mother and the son she was looking forward to (a) healthy baby,” the councilwoman wrote.

Asked if the woman had other children, Torres-Walker responded, “No. But she was looking forward to this baby.”

“This didn’t have to happen, but I guess politics matters more than people,” the councilwoman also wrote, referring to Mayor Lamar Thorpe not supporting or placing her proposal on a council agenda of hiring four more officers for the Sycamore area of Antioch, where the double homicide occurred. (See related articles here and here)

Saffold reiterated that the male suspect and woman who was killed were in a relationship. He added that they from Georgia where the suspect had outstanding warrants for domestic violence against her. (See related article)

The city’s second and third murders of the year; police seek the boy’s father as suspect

By Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold, Antioch Police Department

On Saturday, January 29, 2022, at approximately 8:18 PM, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received a request for a welfare check on the 2100 block of Lemontree Way. A concerned citizen had not seen or heard from their neighbor in several days and was worried about them.

At approximately 8:21 PM, Antioch Officers arrived in the area and looked through a window to the apartment, when there was no answer at the front door. Upon looking through the window, Officers could see a Black 15-year-old juvenile unresponsive on the floor.

Due to the concern for life, Officers forced entry into the apartment and found the juvenile was deceased. Worried for any other occupants inside the apartment, Officers searched for other people and located a 30-year-old Black female deceased in an upstairs room. Both victims suffered from obvious trauma and this incident was determined to be a homicide.

Antioch Investigators and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene and were able to develop suspect information, which was broadcast to other police agencies throughout the Bay Area. An alert Redwood City officer located the suspect at a train station in Redwood City and took him into custody.

It was determined through this investigation that the 34-year-old Black male suspect was in a relationship with the 30-year-old female and the 15-year-old male was the suspect’s biological son.

No other information is being released at this time including the names of the victims or suspect.

Heartbreaking incidents like this can have a profound effect on our community. The Antioch Police Department would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of this unspeakable tragedy.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Whitaker at (925) 779-6890 or by emailing wwhitaker@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Fliers posted throughout community

By Oakley Police Department

The Oakley Police Department received a call of a missing person, under suspicious circumstances, on January 27, 2022. The missing person is identified as Alexis Gabe, 24, of Oakley. She was last seen on Benttree Way in Antioch.

Gabe is described as an Asian female, 5’7”, 170 pounds and last known to be wearing a white tank top, silver/black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and green/white shoes.

Oakley Police patrol personnel and detectives began immediate efforts to locate Gabe. The Oakley Police Department has been in contact with Gabe’s family and have spoken to key people who were last known to be with her. The efforts to locate Gabe are continuing as detectives analyze evidence and patrol personnel continue to field tips and conduct physical searches for Gabe.

Fliers of Gabe have been posted throughout East County over the past two days.

Please report any credible sightings of Gabe, or any information that will lead to her discovery by calling the Oakley Police Department at 925-625-8060.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

One suspect named Sir Stephen Forbes demonstrates lack of nobility concealing weapon; another suspect had multiple warrants

By Darryl Saffold, Strategic Communications Officer, Antioch Police Department

Last night, while everyone was hopefully sleeping 🛌, our Blue Swings crew was out searching for things that go bump in the night. On three separate stops, by three separate officers, four illegal handguns were recovered.

There are no code reds 🚨 in Antioch, meaning we will be proactive in making sure our streets and citizens are safe! Thankfully we have a few good men and women who make it so we can all rest a little easier.

DATE: 1/27/22  TIME: 6:06 PM

LOCATION: Peppertree Way at Sycamore Drive

Officer Nutt conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle being driven by Sir Stephen Forbes (22 years old). A probable cause search was conducted, and a loaded firearm was located inside a fanny pack belonging to Sir Stephen. The gun was registered to Sir Stephen but he was illegally concealing the firearm and did not have a concealed carry permit. Sir Stephen was subsequently cited and released from the scene for the MISD weapons possession.

DATE: 1/27/22  TIME: 10:38  PM

LOCATION: G Street at W. 13th Street

Officer Miller conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle being driven by Taylor Michelson (30 years old). A records check showed Michelson to have multiple warrants for his arrest. Michelson was taken into custody without incident and a subsequent search of his vehicle revealed a loaded Glock pistol. Michelson was transported to MDF.

Two other illegal firearms were recovered last night through police efforts. No additional details will be provided to protect identities of parties involved.