East Bay Man Convicted of Killing Wife in 2013

A jury found a man guilty Tuesday in a Martinez courtroom of killing his estranged wife in Pittsburg in 2013, according to Contra Costa County prosecutors.

Kevin Easter, 53, of Pittsburg, was convicted of first-degree murder and an enhancement for the use of a firearm in the slaying of 52-year-old Janice Easter on Aug. 7, 2013.

Pittsburg police were dispatched that day around 11 p.m. to the 100 block of Army Street after receiving reports of shots fired in the area, according to police.

The victim was found suffering multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead.

The gun used in the shooting was found later by police in a storm drain and was allegedly left there by Easter as he fled the scene.

Police said Easter had been in an on-and-off romantic relationship with the victim and they had just separated after an argument.

Easter apparently has an extensive criminal history and had been on parole for an assault with a deadly weapon conviction before the murder.

Prosecutors said Easter will be sentenced on Jan. 8.

--Bay City News Service