Car Crash Murder Suspects To Enter Plea On Friday

Two men facing murder charges stemming from a fatal car crash that killed a Pleasanton man return to court Friday morning.

Deshon Lamont Collier and Jabrie Watts, both 20, are expected to enter pleas on the three charges they each face: murder, burglary and receiving of stolen property.

The pair was arrested by Newark police on Jan. 18 after police say they attempted to that occurred on the mid-block of Mistflower Avenue.

Authorities said an officer attempted to pull over the Chevy Malibu that was occupied by Collier, Watts and a third suspect when the driver of that vehicle drove southbound on Cedar Boulevard at speeds nearing 80 miles per hour.

The Chevy eventually crashed into a two-door Honda at Cherry Street and Mowry Avenue, instantly killing the Honda's driver, , 69, of Pleasanton. The third suspect, Rajwaun Watkins,  after the crash as a result of head injuries he sustained in the incident.

Collier and Watts were arraigned on Jan. 27. At that time, Collier’s attorney, Ernie Castillo, told Newark Patch he feels "the murder charge is not appropriate for [Collier]. [Collier] was not the driver.”

Authorities have not distinguished who was driving and Castillo said that factor of the investigation was still ongoing.

In police documents, Det. David Higbee said the Chevy the suspects used was rented by Collier's mother and the suspects stole jewelry and a watch in the burglary at the home on Mistflower Avenue.

Authorities have said the two defendants have a criminal history.

During a January court arraignment, an Alameda County superior court judge noted that Watts' prior convictions included a robbery conviction from February 2011 and another robbery conviction in 2010.

Online court documents also show that Collier was convicted and sentenced for a variety of charges stemming from a 2009 incident.

Those charges included carrying a loaded firearm, negligent shooting of a firearm, exhibiting a deadly weapon that is not a firearm and knowingly receiving stolen property totaling more than $400.

The prior convictions could increase the prison sentences for Watts and Collier if they are convicted of the current charges. Police say Watkins also had a prior criminal record.

The plea hearing for Collier and Watts is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Fremont Hall of Justice, Dept. 605.

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