On January 27, 2025, 80-year-old Richard Molica, a male resident of Santa Rosa, California, was found dead in his home with a gunshot wound. Authorities responded to a call from his son, 38-year-old Cody Molica, who reported that he had shot and killed his father while his mother, 72-year-old Beverly Molica, was present at the scene. Deputies arrived at the residence on Stony Point Road and discovered Richard Molica lying on the living room floor, deceased from the gunshot wound.
Investigators soon uncovered a troubling history of conflict within the family. Just days before the fatal shooting, Cody Molica had been arrested on January 21 for elder abuse after allegedly pushing his father, 80-year-old Richard Molica, during an argument, causing injuries. During the same altercation, Cody reportedly threatened to kill both of his parents and himself. Despite these serious allegations, he was released from jail the following day under conditions that prohibited him from contacting his father or possessing firearms.
Following the shooting, authorities detained Cody Molica outside the residence and arrested him on charges of murder and conspiracy. His mother, 72-year-old Beverly Molica, was not present when deputies arrived but was later located in Vallejo and taken into custody. She was arrested on charges of conspiracy and accessory after the fact. Both Cody and Beverly Molica are currently being held in Sonoma County Jail without bail.
The case remains under investigation by the Violent Crime and Crime Scene units, as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic death of 80-year-old Richard Molica. The circumstances surrounding the prior elder abuse incident and the suspect’s release from custody have raised concerns about whether preventative measures could have been taken to avoid this fatal outcome.
