Dene Blakely: California woman allegedly runs over 60-year-old woman after accusing her of stealing
SAN PABLO, CALIFORNIA: A California woman is currently facing murder charges for running over a 60-year-old suspected package thief, causing her death.
The suspect, Dene Blakely, was originally charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon on December 12. However, the charge was elevated to murder after the death of the 60-year-old victim on December 23, per Law & Crime.
Authorities have disclosed that a verbal altercation occurred between two women, with Blakely suspecting that the female pedestrian was a thief.
What did Dene Blakely allegedly do?
On Friday, December 8, 2023, San Pablo police officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Broadway Avenue in response to a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at around 2.27 pm.
Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered a 60-year-old female pedestrian, whose name has not been revealed, with severe injuries.
She was subsequently taken to a local trauma center and, despite undergoing surgery, remained in critical condition. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries on December 23, 2023, marking a tragic turn of events and aggravating charges against Blakely.
After responding to the crime scene, officers discovered that a verbal altercation had taken place between the driver of the vehicle, Dene Blakely, and the 60-year-old female pedestrian.
The dispute revolved around accusations of package theft before the collision occurred. According to the report, "The suspect believed to recognize the victim as someone who had previously stolen a package from her residence."
The investigation revealed that the argument escalated, resulting in multiple injuries to the 60-year-old woman.
Charges against Dene Blakely
San Pablo Police Department's news release stated, "Based upon evidence gathered by SPPD officers and investigators, the collision was determined to be an intentional act of assault. Blakely was arrested on scene without incident, and was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on a felony charge of Assault with a Deadly Weapon."
On December 12, 2023, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office formally filed charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon after a thorough review of the criminal case.
Following the victim's passing, the District Attorney’s Office amended the complaint to include a murder charge.
Blakely underwent arraignment on the revised charges on December 29, 2023, and is presently held in custody at the County Jail. Her bond has been set at $1 million and her hearing has been scheduled for January 30.
