East Bay man charged with murder after probation violation

An East Bay man, Gerardo Garcia, faces murder charges following a stabbing incident that occurred just after his probation violation. Garcia, 34, was on probation for a prior conviction related to a 2023 stabbing on a BART train, where he allegedly attacked another passenger while experiencing a mental health episode. Garcia's probation officer had been pushing for him to receive much-needed mental health treatment but struggled to get him the help he required in time. Court records show Garcia had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and often resisted therapy. He missed several appointments and expressed paranoia about being followed by threats. On New Year's Eve, a day after his probation officer moved to revoke his probation, Garcia reportedly stabbed a man named Carlos Huerta-Esparza in an altercation on 70th Avenue in Oakland. The police have revealed few details about the incident, including the motive. Garcia was arrested on February 25 and is currently held without bail at Santa Rita Jail. This new charge adds to his previous criminal history, which includes allegations of attempted murder, false imprisonment, and robbery linked to the earlier BART attack. Earlier this year, he pleaded no contest to false imprisonment and was placed on probation. However, he had ongoing issues with his mental health and substance use that drew concern from his probation officer. Garcia's arraignment for the murder charge is set for Monday.