Sheriff Investigating Homicide in Blackhawk

The Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff is investigating a homicide that was reported Sunday afternoon in the community of Blackhawk.

According to officials, deputies responded to a ‘suspicious circumstance’ on the 4300 block of Quail Run Lane at 4:10 pm Saturday.

Deputies arrived at the Blackhawk residence and determined that a 69-year-old woman was deceased. A homicide investigation was immediately launched.

Officials later identified the victim as Linda Marie Tercheria. They announced that 69-year-old John Tercheria, the husband of the victim, was arrested early Monday morning for the murder of his wife. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bond at the Martinez Detention Facility.

The Sheriff’s Office said they both resided at the residence on Quail Run Lane.

Unconfirmed reports to Danville San Ramon Updates indicate deputies originally responded to a 911 call from the husband stating that the female had sustained blunt-force trauma to the head.

During the investigation, residents were not told what the crime scene was for, just that it was a “serious” situation.

Neighbors said that deputies utilized a police dog to canvas the area during the investigation. One resident said that she and her husband have been neighbors with the couple for over twenty years.

“I actually went for my daily walk right by the (victim’s) house just minutes before I heard the sirens. I didn’t see anything unusual,” one neighbor said. She added, “we’ve lived here for three years and I’ve never met or seen them.”

Later, a friend of the victim arrived at the scene. With tears in her eyes, she turned to a nearby Sheriff’s deputy and said, “I’ve been friends with Linda since third grade.”

The incident may be the first homicide the Blackhawk community has ever endured.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (925) 646-2441.