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Matt Garcia, once celebrated as one of California’s youngest elected officials, was fatally shot in Fairfield on September 1, 2008. The 22-year-old city councilman, known for advocating youth development and anti-violence initiatives, was shot in the back of the head. Garcia was later declared brain-dead and removed from life support.
Authorities eventually discovered that Matt Garcia’s death was a case of mistaken identity involving a $50 drug dispute. Henry Don Williams mistook Garcia for another man and fired the fatal shot, and Gene Combs helped to coordinate the crime.
Both men received lengthy prison sentences. The case drew statewide attention, leading to a reward initiative supported by the governor’s office.
As Investigation Discovery airs the upcoming episode of Suspicious Minds, titled Who Killed the Councilman? on May 24, 2025, audiences will revisit the investigation’s complexity, similar to the Adam Anhang case, where misjudged intentions led to tragic consequences.
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Councilman Matt Garcia, among the youngest public officials in the country, was fatally shot in the head while conversing with a friend
On the evening of September 1, 2008, Fairfield City Councilman Matt Garcia was shot in the back of the head. He was standing in a driveway on Silverado Drive and talking with a friend. At just 22 years old, Garcia was the youngest elected council member in Fairfield’s history, known for his dedication to youth outreach and anti-violence efforts.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times on September 3, 2008, Matt Garcia was rushed to John Muir Medical Center. He was declared brain-dead the following day. Doctors began the process of organ recovery, fulfilling his wish to be an organ donor.
The shooting initially sparked confusion around the motive. Initially, Fairfield Police Chief Kenton Rainey stated that it was unclear whether the killing was targeted or random. However, as the investigation progressed, authorities began suspecting it was a case of mistaken identity.
Witnesses reported seeing a man exit a car and fire several rounds from a distance of about 50 yards before fleeing the scene. The shooter and his accomplice were not immediately apprehended.
The upcoming Suspicious Minds Season 1 episode Who Killed the Councilman? revisits this case in detail. The episode will mirror the complexities found in the murder of Adam Anhang, where an initial misdirection of motive led to eventual revelations through persistent investigation.
Trial and Convictions: A Case of Mistaken Identity
As CBS News reported on November 12, 2015, the investigation broke open when a woman named Joyce Williams came forward. Her own son, John Gilbert, had been murdered decades earlier. When she learned that her handyman, Gene Combs, had been involved in Garcia’s killing, she managed to convince him to turn himself in to the police.
Combs confessed to being in the getaway car. Williams drove him to the Fairfield Police Department to surrender. This action led to the arrests and convictions of both Combs and the shooter, Henry Don Williams.
Prosecutors argued that Garcia was mistaken for Ryan Estes, a drug dealer who had allegedly taken $50 from Combs in a methamphetamine deal earlier that day. Williams, who believed Garcia was Estes, fired the fatal shot.
According to Times Herald Online reports published on August 30, 2010, Henry Don Williams was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years to life. Combs was found guilty of second-degree murder for aiding and abetting and received 15 years to life.
Nicole Stewart, who drove the pair to the scene, cooperated with law enforcement in exchange for immunity and was placed in witness protection. In 2019, Garcia’s mother filed a $16 million wrongful death suit against all three individuals.
Aftermath and Community Impact
Matt Garcia's death led to widespread community mourning and prompted action to address gun violence. The Matt Garcia Foundation was formed in his honor to support youth programs and public safety efforts.
One such initiative, a gun buyback event held in July 2022, collected 92 firearms, including one that had been intended for suicide. As per the KTVU FOX 2 report dated July 10, 2022, noted, Matt Garcia’s mother remarked:
“Maybe had there been a gun buyback then and maybe the criminal who was able to get the gun would have turned it in for some money, or a gift card, whatever, and Matt would still be here.”
The reward process also faced setbacks. Although the city and county paid out their portions of the $150,000 reward for information, the Governor’s $50,000 remained unpaid due to missing official recommendations. After months of delay and pressure from media and advocacy groups, recommendations were finally made.
Who Killed the Councilman? explores the delayed justice and overlooked details. The upcoming episode airing May 24, 2025, at 10:00 PM on Investigation Discovery, presents a detailed narrative of how a promising life was lost and how the community fought to preserve his legacy.
Stay tuned for more updates.
