> At a Glance
> – Richard Hocking, 93, called 911 early Saturday to say he had shot his wife
> – Officers found the 86-year-old woman dead in the passenger seat of their car
> – Why it matters: The killing is Fremont, California’s first homicide of 2026 and has stunned the local community
A 93-year-old man dialed emergency services in the early hours of January 3, calmly telling dispatchers he had just shot his wife and was ready to surrender. When Fremont police arrived at the Mowry Avenue parking lot, they found Richard Hocking waiting beside his vehicle and his 86-year-old spouse lifeless inside.
The 911 Call and Arrest
Officers reached the scene at 12:22 a.m. after Hocking’s own call. They detained him without incident and discovered the woman seated in the front passenger seat with a fatal gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered from inside the car.
- Hocking was taken to the Fremont Police Department and provided a statement to detectives
- Police have not disclosed the motive he gave for the shooting
- The victim’s name has not been released
Legal Next Steps
Authorities booked Hocking on suspicion of homicide with a gun-related enhancement. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is now reviewing the case to decide formal charges.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim Age | 86 |
| Suspect Age | 93 |
| Location | 5000 block of Mowry Avenue, Fremont, CA |
| Time | 12:22 a.m., Jan. 3, 2026 |
| Weapon | Firearm recovered from vehicle |
Police stressed the shooting appears isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the community. Investigators urge anyone with information to contact the Fremont Police Investigations Unit at 510-790-6900 or submit anonymous tips online.
Key Takeaways
- Fremont recorded its first homicide of 2026 within three days of the new year
- The suspect and victim were married; both in their late 80s and 90s
- Detectives are withholding the alleged motive pending further investigation
The case now moves to prosecutors who will determine whether the 93-year-old will face trial.
