MARTINEZ — An appeals court has overturned murder convictions for two East Bay men, citing a Contra Costa judge’s remarks at the 2020 trial that he’d allow the prosecutor to excuse her third prospective Filipino juror but wouldn’t accept her rationale for a fourth. The defendants, 30-year-old Christova Topete and 36-year-old Sam Nazareta, were convicted … Read more
PITTSBURG — An Antioch man has been sentenced to 33 years in prison for killing a beloved youth coach in what police here have called a failed attempt to rob 15-17 pounds of marijuana from the victim’s home. Much remains unresolved in the death of 34-year-old Pittsburg resident Rafael Lopez: The identity of the second … Read more
As mayor of Pittsburg, Dwaine “Pete” Longmire’s public persona was the easygoing, even-keeled city leader who smiled at ribbon cuttings and warmly greeted constituents who spoke up at public meetings, even if they came there to yell at him. But Longmire was keeping a secret that almost no one knew: Privately, he was consumed by … Read more
MARTINEZ — After two full days of deliberation, a Contra Costa jury convicted an Oakley man of murdering a 21-year-old man due to jealousy on Valentine’s Day 2020. Jose Quintanilla, 27, was convicted Friday of first degree murder, an enhancement for lying in wait, and another enhancement for personal use of a firearm. Prosecutors say … Read more