Yesterday, Alameda County's pursuit of long-sought justice concluded as David Misch was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder for the 1986 cold case killings of Jennifer Duey and Michelle Xavier, as announced by Chief Assistant District Attorney Royl Roberts. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office reported that DNA evidence and a partial license plate number linked Misch to the crimes. Despite being behind bars for another murder since 1989, Misch's guilt for these earlier killings took decades to confirm.
While justice may have been served in the courtroom, dissent brews outside it. Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, the center of a contentious recall effort, stands under fire for her approaches to prosecution. Price, who took office pledging reform, has faced criticism for dismissing special circumstances in a high-profile murder case involving the same David Misch. The Mercury News detailed her controversial handling of the allegations related to the 1988 kidnapping and 1986 murders, exposing fractures in community trust and intensifying the call for her recall.
Caught in the tempest are the victims' families, who have long-awaited justice. Price's decision to reduce charges in another notorious kidnapping case has led to public outcry, with former prosecutor Colleen McMahon voicing opposition. This is an "unprecedented breach of professional responsibility," the Alameda County District Attorney's Office said of McMahon's comments, according to Hoodline. The office apologized to the victims' families and survivors for the disruption caused.
The adjudication of David Misch continues to unfold, with a sentencing date set for January 21, 2025. He faces a potent spell of 50 years to life in prison.
