Rare Homicide Arrest Made in Quiet Lafayette

A welfare check led to the discovery of a dead body and the arrest of a suspect in the Bay Area's safest city.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:39pm

Contra Costa County sheriff's deputies responded to a welfare check at a home in Lafayette, California on Saturday morning and found a man's body inside. Less than 20 minutes later, they arrested 30-year-old David Swank Price of Chico on suspicion of murder. Homicides are extremely rare in the affluent suburb, with no reported incidents from 2013 to 2023.

Why it matters

This case is highly unusual for the typically low-crime city of Lafayette, raising questions about the circumstances that led to the alleged homicide and whether there are any broader public safety concerns for residents of the Bay Area's safest community.

The details

After deputies responded to the home on Westminster Place, they canvassed the nearby streets and came across David Swank Price, whom they took into custody on suspicion of murder. A Facebook page appearing to belong to Price had a post from mid-February threatening someone at the same address where the body was found. A neighbor reported hearing an argument before police arrived.

  • On Saturday, March 22, 2026 at 11:30 a.m., Contra Costa County sheriff's deputies responded to a welfare check at a home in Lafayette.
  • Less than 20 minutes after arriving, deputies arrested David Swank Price on suspicion of murder.

The players

David Swank Price

A 30-year-old resident of Chico, California who was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the Lafayette homicide.

Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the welfare check, discovered the body, and arrested the suspect.

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What’s next

The investigation is ongoing, and the sheriff's office is asking the public to call in tips or email them with any information related to the case.

The takeaway

This shocking homicide in one of the Bay Area's safest and most affluent communities has raised concerns about public safety and the potential for isolated violent incidents, even in areas typically known for their low crime rates.