Suspect Released In Homicide Investigation

No one is in custody in the case of the homicide of a Hayward man that took place in Walnut Creek Dec. 12, and Walnut Creek police continue their investigation.

"We hope to meet with the DA again soon to review the case after some additional investigation takes place," wrote Sgt. Jay Hill of the WCPD's Investigations Bureau in an email Thursday. The victim, who suffered blunt trauma, was Jeffrey Patterson, 48, of Hayward, who left a widow and three children.

on Dec. 15 and was initially arrested on suspicion of homicide, but has since been released from custody, Hill confirmed. The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office returned the investigation to the WCPD.

He was subsequently released.

Hill said Thursday he could not release additional information. Police have declined to comment on the theory that the homicide took place in the 0-100 block of Oak Knoll Loop in Walnut Creek and the body was found a mile away in front of a house in the 2300 block on San Miguel Drive in unincorporated Walnut Creek.

WCPD executed a search warrant at a house on Oak Knoll Loop last week and arrested Frank Castro of Walnut Creek in connection with the homicide.

Castro was later released from custody and no charges were filed against him.Police also have declined to discuss whether there was any drug or alcohol involvement in the incident.

It is the only homicide reported in Walnut Creek in 2011.