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Ex-Mayoral Candidate Charged with 2015 Murder After New Evidence

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Michael Anthony Leon, a former Antioch mayoral candidate, was charged with murdering Brenda Joyce Leon in 2015.
The case, initially ruled a suicide, was reopened after new digital evidence.
Brenda Joyce Leon's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in 2021.
Leon, 66, faces up to 50 years to life if convicted.
He was arrested on January 25, 2026, and is held on $1 million bail; arraignment is January 26.

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Story summary

Michael Anthony Leon, a former Antioch mayoral candidate, was charged with murdering Brenda Joyce Leon in 2015.
The case, initially ruled a suicide, was reopened after new digital evidence.
Brenda Joyce Leon's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in 2021.
Leon, 66, faces up to 50 years to life if convicted.
He was arrested on January 25, 2026, and is held on $1 million bail; arraignment is January 26.