Seven months into her role as Alameda County's new district attorney, Pamela Price faces a recall effort with many accusing her of being soft on crime. Price's controversial decisions on some notorious cold cases can be traced back to her campaign platform, which promised to reform and transform the justice system; however, recent incidents have raised skepticism and concerns among her critics.

One example that has sparked discontent is Price's decision to reduce charges in a notorious kidnapping case, with former prosecutor Colleen McMahon speaking out against her actions. McMahon's public disapproval has prompted the Alameda County District Attorney's Office to release a statement, extending regrets to the victims' families and survivors for the "unprecedented breach of professional responsibility" their former prosecutor has demonstrated.

Price has also been scrutinized for dismissing special circumstances allegations in the David Misch case, details of which were revealed in a Mercury News report on March 6. Misch was charged with three counts of murder in relation to two 1986 killings and the 1988 kidnapping of 9-year-old Michaela Garecht. The recently elected DA initially opposed life-without-parole sentences for the accused.

The David Misch saga has spanned decades, capturing the attention of the Bay Area community with the chilling details of the three East Bay homicide victims. A two-month preliminary hearing occurred in January, with families of the victims and other witnesses providing harrowing testimonies, shedding light on their final moments with their loved ones before they were brutally taken away. The judge's bombshell revelations about the case suggested that alleged Bay Area serial killer Misch may not have acted alone, as a former police officer's involvement was hinted at during the hearing.

(Hayward Police Department - David Misch)

Before becoming DA, Price ran on a platform of criminal justice reform, aiming to undo the damage inflicted on black and brown communities by the system. Despite her intentions to bring positive change, her approach to the high-profile cold cases involving David Misch has caused a rift among the public, leading to the push for a recall. Families of the victims at the center of these cases are left feeling that they are caught in the crossfire as they search for closure and seek justice for their loved ones.

As the recall effort continues, it remains unclear if Price's controversial decisions in these infamous cold cases will be a significant factor in the potential removal from her position. Nevertheless, the heated debate surrounding Price's actions underscores the complexities and challenges in balancing the goals of criminal justice reform with the pursuit of justice for victims and their families.