Burglar targets widow of gunman killed in South SF police shootout: DA

(KRON) — The widow of a gunman who was killed in a police shootout in South San Francisco had her home burglarized and her car stolen in the days following the incident, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.

After the death of Brian Montana, who was killed in a standoff with the South San Francisco Police Department on April 28, his wife traveled out of town, the DA’s office said. Upon her return on May 2, it was discovered that her home had been burglarized and her car was missing.

Investigators learned that neighbors had seen a man on the morning of May 2 moving items between the house and the car, but did not report it because they thought it was a family friend “due to his casual demeanor,” according to the DA’s office. The stranger, prosecutors allege, was Richard Vaka, 36, of Newark.

The total approximate value of property stolen from the home was $15,000.

A credit card that was stolen from the residence was used at Lucky Chances Casino in Colma and a gas station later on May 2, the DA’s office said. Surveillance video from the casino showed a second suspect using the card, identified as Norman DeOcampo Desumala, 43, of Fremont, according to prosecutors. The card had allegedly been embossed with Desumala’s name.

The stolen vehicle was spotted on May 6 by Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputies and stopped. Both suspects were inside the car, the DA’s office said, which also still contained some of Montana’s stolen property.

A search of Vaka’s phone allegedly uncovered photographs of an item stolen from Montana’s residence and Google searches of the victim’s address and a news story about the fatal police shooting.

Vaka pleaded not guilty Tuesday to first-degree residential burglary, grand theft of personal property and driving or taking a vehicle without consent. The court released Vaka on supervised own recognizance after the DA’s motion to set bail at $50,000 was denied. His next court date is July 28.

Desumala is wanted on a $75,000 arrest warrant.