Dominic Sarkar, a 56-year-old executive chef, was tragically murdered on October 8, 2018, in Fremont, California. Sarkar was found shot to death in his bed at his residence on Charleston Way. The investigation revealed that his death was the result of a meticulously planned murder-for-hire scheme orchestrated by Maria Moore, 50, and Marvel Salvant, 46.
The motive behind the murder was financial gain, specifically to cash in on life insurance policies totaling $800,000, for which Moore was the primary beneficiary.
On the night of the murder, a witness reported hearing gunshots and seeing a male suspect fleeing the scene on a bicycle. When the police arrived, they discovered Sarkar had been shot multiple times. The investigation quickly focused on Moore and Salvant due to their suspicious activities and connections. Moore, who had a "casual" relationship with Sarkar, had taken out life insurance policies on him, naming herself as the beneficiary. Surveillance footage and financial transactions linked Salvant to the crime, showing him near Sarkar's residence on the night of the murder and meeting with Moore in the days leading up to the incident.
The case against Moore and Salvant was built on extensive detective work, including tracing monetary transactions and analyzing surveillance footage. The evidence showed that Moore had wired money to Salvant and that Salvant had been seen watching Sarkar and lying in wait to kill him. Both Moore and Salvant were arrested and charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances for financial gain and lying in wait.
In February 2022, both Moore and Salvant were found guilty of first-degree murder. They were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Salvant received an additional 25 years for his use of a firearm during the commission of the crime. The verdict brought some measure of justice for Sarkar's family and friends, who had been deeply affected by his untimely death. The Fremont Police Department and the Alameda County District Attorney's Office were commended for their thorough investigation and successful prosecution of the case.
