Martinez man arrested in fatal yard stabbing after recent jail release; video shows moment of crime

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KGO) -- A 36-year-old Martinez man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 68-year-old man was fatally stabbed in his front yard, authorities said.

Police said the attack occurred Thursday evening on Francis Court. Investigators later arrested the suspect in another Martinez neighborhood. Authorities said he had been released from jail on his own recognizance one day before the killing while awaiting trial in a separate burglary case.

The victim was identified as Todd Stewart, a Martinez resident described by neighbors as a longtime member of the community.

Police said several people called 911 shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday to report that a man had been stabbed.

Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows the suspect arriving in a gray Cadillac SUV, moving to the passenger side of the vehicle and putting on a mask. Police said the man was also wearing a tactical vest.

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Authorities said the video shows the suspect stabbing Stewart several times with a large knife before fleeing in the SUV.

"Everybody is still in shock," neighbor Jackie Winterbauer said. "It's extremely confusing, especially in such a quiet area."

Winterbauer said she had known Stewart for years.

"I've known him for so long," she said. "Todd was really a wonderful neighbor, nice guy, always helpful."

Neighbors told ABC7 Eyewitness News that Stewart was a retired engineer who enjoyed golfing and fishing.

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Police later tracked down the suspect in Martinez. Neighbors said officers forced entry through a door at a home during the arrest. Investigators said they first located the suspect's vehicle and then found the suspect.

Authorities booked the man on suspicion of murder and committing a felony while on own-recognizance release.

According to police, the suspect had been on pre-trial release in connection with residential burglary cases in Orinda dating back to April. Authorities said he was taken into custody Tuesday for allegedly violating a home-detention monitoring rule.

Police said that one day later, he was ordered released on his own recognizance and referred to home-detention monitoring.

The stabbing occurred the following day.

The suspect remains in custody. Police said bail has been set at more than $1 million.

Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive. For neighbors still trying to process the violence, that remains one of the biggest unanswered questions.