Photo: Stock Image
ALAMEDA — A multi-agency investigation culminated in the arrest of a murder suspect. John C. Roberts, 42, allegedly murdered and dismembered his fiancée. This tragic couple lived together in Pleasanton.
The Alameda and Pleasanton police departments conducted a joint investigation. Alameda officers responded first when the remains of 27-year-old Rachel E. Imani-Buckner were discovered on July 20th.
Dismembered body parts were stuffed inside a plastic bag dumped in the city of Alameda. Her gruesome remains were found on a shoreline walking trail near Bay Farm Island. It took investigators weeks to identify her.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Bureau and the FBI participated in the investigation. The Missing and Unidentified Persons Database was searched for leads. San Francisco Bay area law enforcement agencies were consulted during the inquiry. Ultimately, DNA evidence confirmed Imani-Buckner was the victim.
Other agencies also provided investigatory resources. These include the Alameda County Search and Rescue Team coordinated by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. The Alameda and Contra Costa counties crime labs also contributed.
The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Roberts on September 6th, with help from Alameda and Pleasanton police. He was apprehended in Pleasanton at 8:41 a.m. Roberts was booked into Alameda County Santa Rita Jail at 7:34 p.m.
Roberts is charged with committing six felonies—including murder. He is ineligible for release on bond. His plea hearing is scheduled for September 21st.
