Local News in Brief : Costa Mesa : Robbery-Slaying Suspect Is Arrested
- Share via
A suspect in the slaying of a Diamond Bar woman was arrested Tuesday morning at a Costa Mesa motel, authorities said.
Allen David Brooks, 42, is being held in connection with the shotgun murder of Belinda Brecke, 31, in a Diamond Bar check-cashing store on Dec. 15, 1988. The suspect fled with $10,000 to $15,000, police said.
Costa Mesa Police Lt. Gary Webster alleged that Brooks held up two Orange County restaurants Monday and escaped with an undetermined amount of money.
A Costa Mesa patrol officer spotted a Dodge van about 3 a.m. parked outside the motel. The vehicle fit the description of a getaway vehicle used in the robberies. Police set up a small SWAT team outside of the motel about 6:30 a.m. and Brooks surrendered 15 minutes later.
Police think that Brooks is a transient who lived at the hotel.
He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
