California man charged with killing parents, ages 85 and 90
01/05/2026 2:46 pm PST
CONCORD, Calif. (TCN) -- A 61-year-old man has been charged with two counts of murder related to the fatal shootings of his parents.
Officers responding to a family disturbance call on Dec. 31, 2025, found William Richardson, 90, and Joyce Richardson, 85, dead in their home, KTVU reports. Joyce Richardson had reportedly called the police around 7 a.m. When officers got to the house, they heard gunfire before entering.
Contra Costa News reports the couple’s son, 61-year-old Kirk Richardson, was detained and arrested in connection with the incident.
On Jan. 2, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office filed two charges of murder with enhancements for use of a firearm against Kirk Richardson, the Concord Police Department announced.
The East Bay Times reports Richardson allegedly confessed to the killings and stated he had been thinking of killing his parents for decades, according to authorities.
KTVU reports Richardson had been accused of domestic violence by his mother starting in 1989.
A neighbor previously sought a restraining order against Kirk Richardson, writing in the petition that he was violent and made threats, according to KRON. The neighbor said Richardson threatened to decapitate him after he backed out of going on a fishing trip with him.
According to police, Richardson is being held on $4 million bail. KRON reports his arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 5.
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