Prosecutor files murder charges against homeless man from Pittsburgh

By Ted Asregadoo, spokesman for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – A Pittsburg man has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office with two counts of murder and assault.

Billy Ray Darby Jr., 28, of Pittsburg, is currently being held without bail at the Martinez Detention Facility. He was arrested by Pittsburg Police in connection with the murder of 65-year-old Chito Avelino Ituriaga. The incident occurred around 6:40 a.m. on August 20 in the 2200 block of Railroad Avenue near West Leland Road. (See related article)

Police responded to reports of a fight between Darby and Ituriaga. Upon arrival, officers found Ituriaga with severe head and neck injuries. Police performed life-saving measures, but Ituriaga was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. Witness statements led police to find Darby nearby.

Darby is charged with premeditated murder [PC 187(a)] and one count of assault likely to cause serious bodily harm [PC 245(a)(4)]His arraignment is scheduled for August 23 at 1:30 p.m. in the Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County in Martinez.

Case No. 04-24-01660 | The population of the state of California Against. Darby, Billy Ray, Jr.