Brenda Joyce Leon in the photo from her 2015 obituary. Source: East Bay Times.
Michael Leon accused of killing then 52-year-old Brenda Leon, held on $1 million bail
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – Today, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office charged 66-year-old Michael Anthony Leon (born 7/17/1958) with the 2015 murder of his wife, Brenda Joyce Leon, who was 52 years old at the time of her death.
After an extensive investigation, the District Attorney’s Cold Case Unit determined that Brenda Leon’s death on September 28th, 2015, was an act of homicide. The investigation uncovered previously unknown digital evidence and new factual details that were central to the decision to file charges.
Michael Leon was taken into custody from his Antioch residence on January 22nd by the DA’s Office Bureau of Investigations. It was initially investigated in 2015 by Antioch PD. He is charged with murder under Penal Code Section 187(a) and personal use of a firearm causing death under Penal Code Section 12022.53(d). If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison.
“Brenda Joyce’s family never lost faith that the truth would come to light,” said District Attorney Diana Becton. “Today’s filing in Contra Costa Superior Court honors that perseverance and demonstrates that cold cases are never forgotten, regardless of how much time has passed.”
No press release about the incident was issued by Antioch Police at the time, nor was it included in the City Manager’s weekly report which offered the Department’s calls for service highlights for Sept. 24 – Oct. 1, 2015, as provided by then-Police Chief Allan Cantando. Efforts to reach Cantando to ask if he could recall why that occurred was unsuccessful prior to publication time.
According to her obituary, “Brenda Joyce Leon passed away Monday, September 28, 2015, at the age of 52. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Michael Leon and her two loving children, Michelle Wonders, and Monica Tagas. Brenda was born to James and Myrna Francis in Walnut Creek, CA, on August 28, 1963 – the sixth of nine beautiful children. She called Concord home for 36 years where she truly blossomed in life – obtaining her High School diploma from Carondelet, working for her father’s transportation company, Bay Area Piggyback, Inc., marrying her loving husband, and starting her family. Her greatest pleasure and ultimate solace came from being a doting grandmother to her grandchildren, Michelle Wonders’ daughter Audrey – age 4 and son Elliot – age 1 ½.”
Michael Leon is set to be arraigned in court on January 26th at 1:30 pm in Martinez.
Case No. 01-26-00248 | The People of the State of California v. Michael Anthony Leon
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
APD UPDATE: Additional information has come to light. The victim was a 17-year-old female and was not a student in the Antioch Unified School District.
On January 23 at 3:33 a.m., the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center received a report of a person down on the side of the roadway in the area of L Street between West 18th Street and West 10th Street, directly across the street from the football field in Eells Stadium at Antioch High School.
Responding officers arrived on scene and located an adult female victim. Officers immediately rendered medical aid; however, the victim died at the scene. Based on preliminary information and evidence, the death is being investigated as suspicious. Currently her age is unknown and there are no known suspects.
The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, including Crime Scene Investigators and detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit, responded and assumed responsibility for the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no additional information is available at this time. Any updates will be released by the Investigations Bureau as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective Robert Ibanez at (925) 481-8398 or via email at ribanez@antiochca.gov.
Former Stockton City Attorney Lori Asuncion is expected to be hired as the new Antioch City Attorney next Tuesday night. Photo source: LinkedIn
Quit while facing possible termination last week, Lori Asuncion leaves behind split, dysfunctional council; expected to be offered the new job, be paid $288,000 salary and $225,000 in benefits per year, 25% more than in City 3x Antioch’s size
By Allen D. Payton
During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the Antioch City Council will vote on hiring a new, permanent city attorney. The Council has decided to offer the position to former Stockton City Attorney Lori Asuncion who resigned last week during the Stockton City Council meeting on Jan. 12th. The move follows several closed session meetings with both the consultant, Recruiter Joe Gorton, from the Bob Hall & Associates recruiting firm, and candidates during the recruitment process.
It will be a little over a year since Thomas Lloyd Smith resigned the position last Jan. 17th. Since then, Derek Cole has served as Antioch’s Interim City Attorney.
According to a Jan. 13, 2026, report by Stocktonia, a local, nonprofit, digital news source, “Faced with the possibility of termination, Lori Asuncion resigned as Stockton City Attorney on Tuesday evening. Asuncion’s resignation was effective immediately and received a 7-0 vote from the council. The council also voted unanimously to appoint Assistant City Attorney Taryn Jones as acting city attorney, effective immediately.
“The leadership shake-up came six days after councilmembers Brando Villapudua, Michele Padilla and Mariela Ponce asked Stockton’s city clerk to put an item considering Asuncion’s dismissal on Tuesday’s closed session agenda.”
However, other council members questioned the trio’s move. According to the article, “Vice Mayor Jason Lee described Asuncion as ‘a stellar employee’ in a statement to Stocktonia. ‘She was one of the steady rails of City Hall — someone people relied on, trusted and respected.’”
“According to Jones’ announcement at Tuesday’s council meeting, Asuncion’s resignation is subject to a separation agreement, which includes the city paying her $3,500 in attorney’s fees and a mutual non-disparagement agreement between Asuncion and the city. The purpose of the attorney’s fees payment wasn’t explained.”
The issue of Asuncion’s possible firing dates back to last August according to a report by the Stockton Record. “As Stockton City Council members continue to accuse each other of misconduct, some on the council may attempt to oust City Attorney Lori Asuncion,” the Aug. 12, 2025, article reads. “The agenda for Tuesday’s closed session shows the city attorney is scheduled for a performance review. A subsequent item, which doesn’t name a specific employee, references the dismissal, discipline or release of a public employee, followed by the appointment of a replacement — identified as the city attorney.”
Another Stocktonia report, published prior to the Jan. 13th council meeting, further revealed the split and dysfunction among city council members. It reads, “Infighting on — and off — the dais seems unlikely to subside any time soon.” The article also shared emailed comments by Asuncion defending herself to one of the council members who made the “request to add the item concerning the city attorney’s possible firing to Tuesday’s agenda.”
“I am fully aware of my charter duties, and I work diligently to stay out of your council’s frequent political battles,” Asuncion said in the email. “I don’t have personal allegiances to any of the council because my client is the City of Stockton,” adding that “It is my practice regardless of what may be the circumstances of my interaction with each councilmember to maintain a productive, respectful, and professional relationship with (each) individual.”
Asuncion’s Experience & Education
According to the Antioch City staff report for the agenda item, #6, “Ms. Asuncion has considerable experience in municipal law. She has served as the City Attorney in Stockton, with a population of nearly 325,000, since 2022. Ms. Asuncion began employment with Stockton in 2007 as a Deputy City Attorney and was elevated to Assistant City Attorney in 2018. She worked in private civil practice between 2005 and 2007.”
According to her LinkedIn profile, Asuncion was promoted to City Attorney in September 2022.
She “has practiced law for more than two decades, brings considerable legal experience to Antioch. She has served as the chief legal officer for a city nearly three times Antioch’s population. She manages a large, full department that includes an assistant and deputy city attorneys. Throughout her 18-year career with Stockton, she has advised several city departments and managed litigation involving her city. She is also well experienced in drafting municipal ordinances and agreements and in matters involving public records management. All of this experience gives her ample qualifications to continue her legal career with Antioch,” the staff report continues.
“Ms. Asuncion has been active in professional development. She has served on the California League of Cities/City Attorneys Departments’ Nominating and Legal Advocacy Committee and as an editor of its Municipal Law Handbook.
“Ms. Asuncion received her law degree from the University of the Pacific-McGeorge Law School in 2005 and a Bachelor of Arts from California State University-Stanislaus in 2002.”
Proposed Compensation
If hired, according to the City staff report, “Asuncion will earn an annual salary of $288,000 ($24,000 per month). She would accrue 12 sick days per year and receive 30 days of vacation per year, with 15 of those days ‘frontloaded’ at the start of her employment. Ms. Asuncion’s agreement would entitle her to six months of severance pay in the event of a not-for-cause separation of employment. The City would further pay for Ms. Asuncion’s dues for the California State Bar Association and Contra Costa County Bar Association and would pay for her attendance of professional development conferences and events (e.g., Cal Cities-City Attorneys Spring Conference).
“Ms. Asuncion is a ‘classic’ PERS employee and would receive full cafeteria benefits. Combining the value of her salary and total benefits, the total annualized cost of her compensation would be $513,028 ($225,028 of which would be for benefits).”
According to Transparent California, in 2024, Asuncion earned Regular pay of $290,601, Other pay of $15,300 for Total pay of $305,901. In addition, she received $98,700 in benefits for a total compensation package of $404,601 per year.
Stockton Already Recruiting for New City Attorney
The City of Stockton staff already posted a recruiting message for a new city attorney Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026, on that City’s Facebook page and offers candidates only one week to apply. It reads, “The City of Stockton is seeking to fill one (1) City Attorney vacancy and is looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking legal leader to join our executive team.
“The ideal candidate is a person of the highest integrity, committed to strong customer service, responsive to organizational needs, and transparent in all internal and external relationships.
“This role requires the ability to manage highly complex legal issues within a collaborative, fast-paced environment, while planning and directing the operations of the City Attorney’s Office and coordinating closely with City departments and divisions.
“Application Deadline: Jan 29 • 11:59 PM.”
Antioch Council Meeting Details
A Closed Session begins at 5:00 p.m. to discuss employee group contracts and the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
Kaiser says allegations related to Medicare risk adjustment resolved
“The settlement agreement reached with the Department of Justice contains no admission of wrongdoing and addresses historical Medicare Advantage documentation practices.”
By U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California
SAN FRANCISCO — Affiliates of Kaiser Permanente, an integrated healthcare consortium headquartered in Oakland, California, have agreed to pay $556 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting invalid diagnosis codes for their Medicare Advantage Plan enrollees in order to receive higher payments from the government.
The settling Kaiser Permanente affiliates are Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado; The Permanente Medical Group Inc.; Southern California Permanente Medical Group; and Colorado Permanente Medical Group P.C. (collectively Kaiser).
Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays the MAOs a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare beneficiary enrolled in their plans. CMS adjusts these monthly payments to account for various “risk” factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs. To make these “risk adjustments,” CMS collects medical diagnosis codes from the MAOs. The diagnoses must be supported by the medical record of a face-to-face visit between a patient and a provider, and for outpatient visits, must have required or affected patient care, treatment, or management at the visit.
Kaiser owns and operates MAOs that offer MA plans to beneficiaries across the country. In a complaint filed in the Northern District of California in October 2021, the United States alleged that Kaiser engaged in a scheme in California and Colorado to improperly increase its risk adjustment payments. Specifically, the United States alleged that Kaiser systematically pressured its physicians to alter medical records after patient visits to add diagnoses that the physicians had not considered or addressed at those visits, in violation of CMS rules.
“More than half of our nation’s Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, and the government expects those who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s resolution sends the clear message that the United States holds healthcare providers and plans accountable when they knowingly submit or cause to be submitted false information to CMS to obtain inflated Medicare payments.”
“Medicare Advantage is a vital program that must serve patients’ needs, not corporate profits,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “Fraud on Medicare costs the public billions annually, so when a health plan knowingly submits false information to obtain higher payments, everyone — from beneficiaries to taxpayers — loses. We have an obligation to protect the American taxpayer from waste, fraud, and abuse and we will relentlessly pursue individuals and organizations that compromise the integrity of the Medicare program.”
“The federal government supports the health care of millions of beneficiaries by paying hundreds of billions of dollars every year to Medicare Advantage Plans,” said U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly for the District of Colorado. “Medicare relies on the accuracy of the information submitted by those plans. This resolution sends a clear message that we will hold health care plans accountable if they seek to game the system and pad their profits by submitting false information.”
“Deliberately inflating diagnosis codes to boost profits is a serious violation of public trust and undermines the integrity of the Medicare Advantage program,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This outcome demonstrates HHS-OIG’s commitment to protecting Medicare through a unified approach — leveraging the expertise of our investigators, auditors, and counsel, alongside our law enforcement partners. We will continue to hold accountable any entity that seeks to compromise the integrity of the risk adjustment program.”
“Healthcare programs funded by the public are meant to support patients, not pad corporate bottom lines. False claims and the submission of fraudulent information weaken the Medicare system and place an unfair cost on American taxpayers who expect honesty and accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani of the FBI San Francisco Field Office. “This settlement reflects the FBI’s continued commitment to holding accountable those who put profits over patients and abuse federal healthcare programs.”
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from 2009 to 2018, Kaiser engaged in a scheme to increase its Medicare reimbursements by pressuring physicians to add diagnoses after patient visits through “addenda” to patients’ medical records. The United States alleged that Kaiser developed various mechanisms to mine a patient’s past medical history to identify potential diagnoses that had not been submitted to CMS for risk adjustment. Kaiser then sent “queries” to its providers urging them to add these diagnoses to medical records via addenda, often months and sometimes over a year after visits. In many instances, the United States alleged, the diagnoses added by the providers had nothing to do with the patient visit in question, in violation of CMS requirements.
The United States further alleged that Kaiser set aggressive physician- and facility-specific goals for adding risk adjustment diagnoses. It alleged that Kaiser singled out underperforming physicians and facilities and emphasized that the failure to add diagnoses cost money for Kaiser, the facilities, and the physicians themselves. It also alleged that Kaiser linked physician and facility financial bonuses and incentives to meeting risk adjustment diagnosis goals.
The United States alleged that Kaiser knew that its addenda practices were widespread and unlawful. Kaiser ignored numerous red flags and internal warnings that it was violating CMS rules, including concerns raised by its own physicians that these were false claims and audits by its own compliance office identifying the issue of inappropriate addenda.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of certain claims brought in lawsuits under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ronda Osinek and James M. Taylor, M.D., former employees of Kaiser. Under those provisions, private parties are permitted to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam cases are captioned United States ex rel. Osinek v. Kaiser Permanente, et al., No. 3:13-cv-03891 (N.D. Cal.) and United States ex rel. Taylor v. Kaiser Permanente, et al., No. 3:21-cv-03894 (N.D. Cal.). The relator share of the recovery will be $95 million.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of California and the District of Colorado, with assistance from HHS-OIG, HHS-Office of Audit Services, and the FBI.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Attorneys Braden Civins, Edward Crooke, Gary Dyal, Michael R. Fishman, Martha Glover, Seth W. Greene, Rachel Karpoff, Laurie Oberembt, and Jonathan Thrope, Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo for the Northern District of California, with the assistance of Jonathan Birch and Alan Lopez, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Traskos for the District of Colorado.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Kaiser Responds: Allegations Related to Medicare Risk Adjustment Resolved
On the organization’s website, Kaiser responded to the settlement with, “The settlement agreement reached with the Department of Justice contains no admission of wrongdoing and addresses historical Medicare Advantage documentation practices.
“Kaiser Permanente has reached a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve a dispute regarding certain documentation practices impacting some Medicare Advantage risk adjustment submissions between 2009 and 2018. The agreement resolves a False Claims Act lawsuit and has no admission of wrongdoing or liability. We chose to settle to avoid the delay, uncertainty, and cost of prolonged litigation.
“Multiple major health plans have faced similar government scrutiny over Medicare Advantage risk adjustment standards and practices, reflecting industrywide challenges in applying these requirements. The Kaiser Permanente case was not about the quality of care our members received. It involved a dispute about how to interpret the Medicare risk adjustment program’s documentation requirements.
“We remain unwavering in our mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve.”
Asked if any of the affiliates operate in Northern California and were any of the hospitals in Contra Costa County included, Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & Public Relations Representative for Kaiser Permanente Northern California, did not respond.
2026 Antioch Knights of Columbus Free Throw Champions are as follows – Front row: Cameryn Smith (11 yr. old girl), Riley Page (9 yr. old girl), Charlotte Kerian (8 yr. old girl), Greyson Elliott (8 yr. old boy), Cristiano Pham (10 yr. old boy), Santiago Sandoval (9 yr. old boy) Second row: Devyn Jones (12 yr. old girl), Xofia Espinole (14 yr. old girl), Ava Agpalo (10 yr. old girl), Michael Kelly (11 yr. old boy), Jayden Rivera (13 yr. old boy), Ryan Wisely (14 yr. old boy) Back row: Members of the Knights of Columbus Council #3265. Photo courtesy of Wayne Steffen.
Will compete in district competition February 19
By Wayne Steffen
Twelve boys and girls aged 8 to 14 were named local champions of the 2026 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. Antioch Council #3265 sponsored the local competition at Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church parish center.
The champions are:
AgeBoys Girls
8 Greyson Elliott Charlotte Kerian
9 Santiago Sandoval Riley Page
10 Cristiano Pham Ava Agpalo
11 Michael Kelly Cameryn Smith
12 Devyn Jones
13 Jayden Rivera
14 Ryan Wisely Xofia Espinole
The champions will compete in the district competition to be held on February 19 with an eye toward moving on to diocese, state, national and international levels.
Council #3265 in Antioch, CA is one of 17,000 Knights of Columbus councils that make up the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in 1882 to assist working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, today the approximately two million members of the Knights put their faith into action through a broad range of charitable causes locally, nationally, and internationally with financial contributions and hands-on service.
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Lewis Broschard to retire after 18 years of service. Photo: Con Fire
By Lauren Ono, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Concord, CA – Fire Chief Lewis Broschard has announced his retirement from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District after more than 18 years of service. The announcement marks the conclusion of a distinguished career dedicated to public safety, leadership, and service to the residents of Contra Costa County and to the men and women of Contra Costa Fire.
“Serving as Fire Chief for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Chief Broschard. “I am incredibly proud of the members of this organization and grateful for the trust and support of the community, our Board of Supervisors, and the County Administrator’s Office. I leave knowing the District is positioned for continued success.”
Under Chief Broschard’s tenure, the Fire District has experienced significant organizational and operational advancements, including the annexation of East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, and entered into a contract for service with the City of Pinole. The District established a firefighting hand crew program, launched a seasonal aerial firefighting helicopter program, implemented an apparatus replacement program, increased staffing in operations and fire prevention, and undertook the rebuilding of several fire stations. Additionally, the regional fire dispatch center was expanded and modernized, 911 dispatcher staffing levels were increased, emergency ambulance operations were strengthened and expanded, and numerous health and wellness initiatives were introduced for our members. Significant wildfire mitigation projects were funded and completed across the county and over 40 new Firewise communities were formed in the District. The District also achieved a substantial improvement in its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, advancing from a combined 3/8B and 4/9 to a uniform Class 2/2Y rating across the district.
“Chief Broschard has led the Fire District through complex operational challenges, historic wildfire seasons, and significant organizational growth, all while maintaining a focus on the safety of residents and fire personnel. We are deeply grateful for his decades of service and wish him a long and fulfilling retirement.” Board Chair Diane Burgis, District 3 Chair.
Chief Broschard’s retirement will be effective March 30, 2026. Information regarding the process for selecting the next Fire Chief will be announced separately.
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District extends its sincere appreciation to Fire Chief Lewis Broschard for his years of distinguished service and congratulates him on a well-earned retirement.
About Contra Costa County Fire Protection District – Con Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to more than one million residents and visitors in 13 cities and 12 unincorporated areas across our expanded 582 square-mile jurisdiction. The district comprises 35 fire stations and more than 670 firefighters and professional staff. Through our unique ambulance “Alliance,” the district delivers EMS and ambulance transport services to much of Contra Costa County. For more information about Con Fire visit cccfpd.org.
Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III was charged with homicide, kidnapping and criminal threats in the 2024 death of Raheem Coe. Photo: Antioch PD
Suspect Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III currently in San Quentin state prison on unrelated charges.
Previously arrested in 2022 for shooting, killing Antioch convenience store clerk, but DA Becton didn’t charge with murder
By Allen D. Payton
According to Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker of the department’s Investigations Bureau, “after an extensive investigation, the Antioch Police Department has solved the homicide of Raheem Coe, a 48-year-old Antioch homeless resident who was found deceased on May 15, 2024, near medical office buildings in the Country Hills Drive area.”
As previously reported, at approximately 7:19 AM, on that date, Antioch police officers responded to the 2200 block of Country Hills Drive to assist Contra Costa Fire on a reported male down on the sidewalk possibly in need of medical attention.
When officers arrived, they located a deceased male. The cause of death was unknown at the time. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. After an autopsy and further investigation, the death was determined to be a homicide. The victim frequented the area where he was discovered.
As previously reported, independent reports from two sources claimed Coe’s death was believed to be caused by blunt force trauma, including to his head and chest.
At the time, local homeless advocate Andrew Becker, who knew Coe and had several interactions with him, said, “Raheem Coe was on the street for the last couple of years, in the Lone Tree-Deer Valley area. He’s had several interactions with City staff including being swept multiple times by Public Works and Code Enforcement.”
“We had several conversations about shelter and services, and he was seeking shelter,” Becker continued. “He did have contact with his family who are also local.”
Through the processing of evidence, witness interviews, and the review of video surveillance, detectives identified 23-year-old Ronald Benjamin Jackson, III as the suspect in this homicide. Jackson is currently in custody at San Quentin State Prison on unrelated charges.
The case was presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, which has filed charges against Jackson for PC 187 – Homicide, PC 207(a) – Kidnapping, and PC 422 – Criminal Threats. Jackson will be transferred to the Martinez Detention Facility pending future court proceedings.
Jackson was previously arrested for robbing an Antioch gas station convenience store and killing the 36-year-old clerk in November 2022. (See related articles here and here)
However, Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton announced the following week that her Office declined to file murder charges in the case, based on the clerk’s actions and “upon an established law that clearly states a person cannot pursue another to retrieve stolen property once the threat of bodily injury or harm to the victim has subsided.”
According to localcrimenews.com, Jackson was also arrested by Antioch Police on May 25, 2024, for kidnapping, battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse and threats of violence, and on Oct. 26, 2022, for vandalism: paint, cruelty to an animal and carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner.
Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Antioch Police Detective John Cox at (925) 481-8147 or by email at jcox@antiochca.gov.
Investigate the operations of local government officers, departments and agencies
Application deadline: March 13, 2026
By Contra Costa County Grand Jurors Association
The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 term.
Contra Costa County’s Grand Jury consists of 19 citizens. A new Grand Jury is impaneled each year. Grand Jurors are officers of the Court, and function as an independent body under the guidance of a Superior Court Judge. Jurors are impaneled in June and are expected to attend a two-week training in June. Each term serves through June of the following calendar year.
Every year, in each of California’s 58 counties, a group of ordinary citizens takes an oath to serve as grand jurors. Its function is to investigate the operations of the various officers, departments and agencies of local government. Each Civil Grand Jury determines which officers, departments and agencies it will investigate during its term of office.
Apart from the investigations mandated by the California Penal Code, each County’s Grand Jury decides what it will investigate. Investigations may be initiated in response to letters from citizens, newspaper articles and personal knowledge.
If you are interested in applying, please complete the application and review the timeline below.
