Story perspectives
Former Mayor Charged with Cold Case Murder After 10 Years
1/28/2026
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Story summary
- A 66-year-old former Antioch mayoral candidate is charged with murdering Brenda Joyce Leon, more than a decade after her death was ruled a suicide.
- The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office Cold Case unit reopened the investigation with new digital forensic technology.
- The suspect was arrested last Thursday and faces 50 years to life if convicted.
- Arraignment is set for February 10.
