Richard Morello Jr

Richard “Richie” Morello Jr. was a 27-year-old Hispanic/Latino man known for his kindness, intelligence, and creative spirit. A devoted father to his young son and daughter, he was an East Contra Costa rapper who performed under the stage name "$mooth." His family remembered him as someone whose smile could light up a room. He loved making music videos, playing chess, and sharing his talents with those around him.

Late on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Morello and another man, Jesus Soto, attended a music video shoot together at the Antioch waterfront. Later that evening, they were at a home in an Antioch neighborhood near Cobblestone and Flagstone drives when an argument broke out. Around 11:45 p.m., multiple callers reported gunfire in the area. When Antioch police officers arrived, they found Morello suffering from at least one gunshot wound. They attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau immediately took over the case. The day after the shooting, on August 25, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Vallejo, where they collected evidence. On Tuesday, August 26, officers in Stockton located and arrested 37-year-old Jesus Soto of Vallejo without incident. Police also recovered additional evidence from a vehicle he was in. Soto was charged with homicide in connection with Morello’s death.

In February 2026, Jesus Soto went on trial in Contra Costa County, facing a murder charge. Prosecutors presented evidence that included a neighbor’s Ring camera video, which they said showed Soto pulling a pistol, chasing Morello, and continuing to shoot even after Morello had fallen to the ground. Soto’s defense attorney argued that his client had acted in self-defense. The defense claimed that just before the shooting, Soto had been mercilessly beaten inside the house by Morello and several other people, which triggered a “fight or flight” survival response.

A jury rejected the murder charge and instead convicted Jesus Soto of voluntary manslaughter, a verdict that can cover instances of "imperfect" self-defense, where a person believes they are in danger but that belief is not considered reasonable. Following the conviction, Soto was sentenced. The case was concluded as of August 2026.