Bond Set at $1 Million for Husband Charged in Cold Case Murder of His Wife in 2015
– by Jim Emerson
ANTIOCH, CA — Michael A. Leon, 66, of Antioch, remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bond, following
his arrest on January 22 in a cold case murder investigation. Leon is accused of forging a suicide note
and fatally shooting his wife more than 10 years ago.
Brenda J. Leon was 52 years old when she died from a gunshot wound in the head on September 28,
2015. Antioch police who investigated and said it was suicide, but the victim’s daughters refused to
believe their mother killed herself.
The daughters filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging the suicide note was a forgery. Allegations
followed that Leon staged his wife’s murder scene to make it appear like a suicide. A new criminal
investigation followed next.
An extensive inquiry was conducted by inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s
Office Bureau of Investigation. It obtained a warrant and recovered “previously unknown digital
evidence,” incriminating the husband.
In a prepared statement the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office said., “The cold case unit
determined that Brenda Leon’s death was an act of homicide. New factual details were central to the
decision to file charges.”
Leon is being held at the West County Detention Facility in Richmond. Charges were filed against him
on January 23. Leon is charged with murder PC 187(A), and personal use of a firearm causing death
PC 12022.53 (D)
If convicted, Leon an unsuccessful candidate for Antioch mayor in 2012, faces a maximum sentence
of 50 years to life in prison, according to the DA’s office.
