Dublin murder suspect arrested in Southern California

DUBLIN – Police here have arrested a man on suspicion of murder in connection with a recent shooting, but court records show the suspect came dangerously close to being charged with a similar crime four years ago in Florida.

The suspect, identified by police as 38-year-old Nicholas Paleveda, was charged with aggravated assault on his roommate in Gainesville, Florida, in 2020. In that case, Paleveda allegedly pushed open the door to his roommate's bedroom, pointed a silver gun at his chest and pulled the trigger. But the gun malfunctioned and did not fire, court records show.

“You have to respect me, I am your master,” Paleveda allegedly repeated several times to the victim and a witness before leading them out of the room. Court records show he later accepted a plea deal and a three-year suspended sentence.

Now Paleveda is back in police custody, this time for the suspected murder of a 37-year-old man at the Emerald Park Apartments on Hacienda Drive in Dublin. Police say the shooting happened around 2:20 p.m. Friday and Paleveda fled after killing the victim. He was arrested Saturday in Barstow outside a local Walmart, police said.

A Dublin police press release said investigators are still working to determine how Paleveda and the victim knew each other and are expected to present the case to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office this week.

Witnesses can contact Dublin Police at 833-6670.

Originally published: 26 August 2024 at 16:34