Crime & Safety

Reward Offered In Burglary at Home of Teen Drowning Victim

Police are investigating the burglary which occurred Thursday morning.

An anonymous citizen has stepped forward and offered a $5,000 reward to help catch the person who broke into the home of the Miller family while they were away Thursday morning burying their teenage son.

Walnut Creek police announced the reward late Friday, and it will go to anyone who helps lead to the arrest and conviction of a suspect or suspects, said Sgt. Tom Cashion. 

The family of Las Lomas High junior Matt Miller were away from their Homestead Avenue home Thursday between 10 a.m. and 12:30. Matt and his best friend, Gavin Powell, 17, died over the weekend in a rafting accident. On Thursday, what would have been Matt's 17th birthday, his parents left their home to hold a private family service to bury him. 

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While the family was at that service, someone broke into their home and stole a computer, jewelry and documents. 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Walnut Creek Police Detective Rick Baca at 925-256-3534 or Walnut Creek Police Dispatch at 925-935-6400. 

A memorial service for Gavin will take place 2 p.m. Saturday at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church at 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek.

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Friends of Gavin's family have set up a fund to help the family pay for expenses associated with the service and other living costs. Checks can be made out to the Powell Memorial Fund and dropped off in the main office at Las Lomas High School. Include the account number 05970-70974 on the check. Contact Las Lomas High Associate Vice Principal Ruth Steele or Bank of America about  electronic transfers or PayPal information.

Another memorial service will be held for Matt, Sunday at 3 p.m. at St. Matthew Luthern Church, 399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. The family asks that donations in Matt's name be made to the East Bay chapter of Amigos De Las Americas.  


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