Clayton Dortzbach Arrested, Held on $1M Bail After Fatal Bethel Island Shooting
Clayton Dortzbach, 40, was arrested in Concord and is being held on $1 million bail after investigators say he fatally shot 38-year-old Martinez resident Edward Joseph Garofalo IV.
Detectives from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office arrested 40-year-old Clayton Dortzbach of Pittsburg in Concord at about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday and booked him into the Martinez Detention Facility, where he is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail after investigators allege he shot and killed 38-year-old Martinez resident Edward Joseph Garofalo IV.
Deputies originally responded to a report of a shooting Monday evening in the 3200 block of Dutch Slough Road, arriving to find Garofalo down with a gunshot wound. Reported response times vary by source from 8:49 p.m. to about 9:00 p.m., and sheriff’s officials later clarified the incident location as Oakley near Bethel Island after initial references to Bethel Island.
“Detectives from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit worked continuously to identify and apprehend the homicide suspect,” the sheriff’s office said, and located Dortzbach at an undisclosed Concord location about 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. Booking records and sheriff’s statements show Dortzbach was processed into the Martinez Detention Facility and remained there on $1,000,000 bail.
There is conflicting language in public reporting about formal charges. Some booking statements list a murder booking, while the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office said, “As of Thursday, Dortzbach had not been charged,” reflecting a distinction between administrative booking and formal filing by prosecutors. Sheriff’s officials have not released a motive, weapon details, or additional circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Garofalo was publicly identified Thursday as Edward Joseph Garofalo IV, 38, of Martinez. Authorities have not released family statements, forensic details, or whether an autopsy has been completed; the investigation remains active as homicide detectives continue to gather evidence and witness accounts.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to come forward. Investigators provided the Investigation Division tip line at (925) 313-2600, the anonymous voice message line at (866) 846-3592, and the tips email tips@so.cccounty.us for leads as they work toward charging decisions and any forthcoming arraignment.
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