Suspect arrested in Antioch homicide case
- Richard Morello Jr., a 27-year-old man, was shot and killed late Sunday night in Antioch.
- Police arrested a suspect, Jesus Soto, in Stockton two days later after a search for evidence in Vallejo.
- Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to provide justice for the victim and clarity for the community.
In the early hours of Monday, August 25, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Antioch, California, when a 27-year-old man named Richard Morello Jr. was shot and killed. The shooting took place at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Sunday night near the intersection of Cobblestone Drive and Flagstone Drive. Emergency responders received multiple calls regarding the incident and promptly arrived at the scene, only to find Morello with gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to administer life-saving aid, he was pronounced dead at the scene by the authorities. This led to a swift investigation by the Antioch Police Department. Information concerning the shooting remained sparse in the immediate aftermath, as there were no suspects identified at the time. The police encouraged anyone with information to reach out, hoping to gather leads that could assist in identifying the perpetrator. Following the investigation, police executed a search warrant at a residence in Vallejo, which aided them in obtaining crucial evidence linked to the case. Two days later, on Tuesday, August 27, 2025, the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Jesus Soto from Vallejo, was apprehended by authorities in Stockton. Soto was taken into custody without incident, and police collected additional evidence from inside a vehicle linked to him. This development raised questions regarding the motives behind the homicide and the events that led to the shooting, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing such violent acts in communities. The Antioch Police Department's ongoing investigations aim to provide closure and justice for the victim's family as more details emerge.