A former California mayoral candidate has been arrested and charged with the 2015 murder of his wife, Brenda Joyce Leon, whom he allegedly murdered and staged her death to appear as a suicide. Michael Anthony Leon, 66, was taken into custody on January 22, 2026, at his Antioch, Calif., home, where he had previously run for mayor in 2012.
Details of the Case
Brenda Joyce Leon, 52, was found dead in 2015, with police initially ruling her death a suicide after discovering a note suggesting she had taken her own life. However, Brenda’s daughters, Michelle Wonders and Monica Tagas, never believed the initial investigation, suspecting foul play and pushing for further investigation into their mother’s death.
Despite the ruling, the case remained unresolved until 2024, when new evidence, including digital findings, prompted the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office to reopen the investigation. Prosecutors revealed that this new evidence was key to the decision to file charges against Michael Leon.
Family’s Fight for Justice
Brenda’s daughters filed a wrongful death lawsuit in 2021, accusing an unknown person of murdering their mother and staging the scene to make it appear as a suicide. In January 2026, the daughters filed a new wrongful death lawsuit naming their father, Michael, as the defendant.
Matthew Guichard, the family’s attorney, expressed the family’s relief, stating, “The family is ecstatic… It’s been a long, hard road.” They had initially reached out for legal help in 2017, marking years of persistence in seeking justice for their mother.
Background and Charges
Michael Leon, who placed fourth in the 2012 mayoral race in Antioch, Calif., is now facing charges of murder and the personal use of a firearm causing death. If convicted, Leon faces a potential sentence of 50 years to life in prison.
The district attorney’s office emphasized that this case demonstrates the commitment to solving cold cases, no matter how much time has passed.
Brenda was remembered as a dedicated mother and grandmother, known for her loyalty, selflessness, and the unconditional love she gave to her family. Her daughters described her as a loving and proud mother who found joy in watching her family grow.
Current Status
Michael Leon is currently in custody, with a $1 million bail. He is scheduled for arraignment on January 26, 2026, in Martinez, California. The family remains hopeful that this new development will bring them closer to justice for Brenda’s tragic death.
