A cold-case review led to the Jan. 22 arrest of 66-year-old Michael Anthony Leon, who is charged in the 2015 death of his wife, Brenda Joyce Leon. The death was originally ruled a suicide, but new digital evidence and family concerns prompted prosecutors to reopen the case. Brenda’s daughters filed wrongful-death suits in 2021 and again in 2025; a civil complaint naming their father was filed Jan. 23. Leon faces murder and firearm charges and is being held on $1 million bail pending arraignment.
Former Antioch Mayoral Candidate Arrested After Cold-Case Review Links Him to Wife’s 2015 Death
Contra Costa CountyMichael Anthony Leon; Brenda Joyce Leon
A decades-old investigation into the 2015 death of Brenda Joyce Leon has led to the arrest of her husband, Michael Anthony Leon, authorities said. The 66-year-old former Antioch mayoral candidate was taken into custody on Jan. 22 and has been charged in connection with his wife’s death, which was originally ruled a suicide.
New Evidence, Renewed Investigation
Contra Costa prosecutors said a lengthy cold-case review uncovered previously unknown digital evidence and other facts that were central to the decision to file criminal charges. Investigators obtained a search warrant in 2024 that helped them locate the new digital material, the District Attorney’s Office said.
Contra Costa CountyMichael Anthony Leon
Background And Family Concerns
Brenda Joyce Leon, 52 at the time of her death, was found in 2015 with a gunshot wound and a note that investigators initially concluded was a suicide. Her daughters, Michelle Wonders and Monica Tagas, disputed that finding and pushed for further review, eventually filing a wrongful-death lawsuit in August 2021 alleging evidence at the scene had been staged. The daughters filed a new wrongful-death complaint on Jan. 23 naming their father as the defendant in the civil case.
"Brenda Joyce's family never lost faith that the truth would come to light," District Attorney Diana Becton said in a press release announcing the charges.
Charges And Court
Michael Anthony Leon has been charged with murder and personal use of a firearm causing death, according to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison. Leon is being held on $1 million bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 26 in Martinez, California.
Contra Costa CountyBrenda Joyce Leon
Remembering Brenda Joyce Leon
Originally from Concord, California, Brenda worked in her family’s transportation business before marrying and raising children. Her 2015 obituary described her as a devoted grandmother and a loyal, selfless person who enjoyed watching her family grow. Family members and friends remember her for her kindness and encouragement to "find the good in everyone and everything."
The family’s attorney, Matthew Guichard, told reporters the daughters first reached out in 2017 and that the new criminal filing is an emotional milestone after a long effort to seek answers.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Help us improve.
