The shocking case of Mykaella Elizabeth Sharlman's death has taken another devastating turn. Two men initially accused of burning her body after a suspected fentanyl overdose are now free, thanks to a pervasive bigotry scandal within the Antioch Police Department. The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office lost confidence in the prosecution's integrity due to the involvement of officers implicated in the scandal, leaving Sharlman's family reeling from a double blow of grief and injustice.
Mykaella's body was discovered on a walking trail in October 2022. Ashton Montalvo and Deangelo Boone were accused of setting her remains on fire after she died from an apparent overdose. While they initially pleaded not guilty to mutilation and arson, the charges have since been dismissed. The DA’s office expressed its deepest sympathies to the Sharlman family, hoping to reopen the case if new, untainted evidence emerges.
The unfolding police scandal involves a series of racist, homophobic, and sexually explicit text messages exchanged among officers. The messages, revealed in a joint FBI and Contra Costa County DA report, exposed a deeply ingrained culture of prejudice within the department. The texts contained derogatory language, threats of violence, and disturbing imagery, including a naked man sitting on George Floyd. One officer even admitted to fabricating confessions for easier case filing. Initially, 14 officers were named, but the number implicated in misconduct has since ballooned to nearly half the force.
For Sharlman's family, the dropped charges represent a profound failure of the justice system. They believe ample evidence, including video footage, existed to prosecute Montalvo and Boone, regardless of the police scandal. Her mother, Sandra Sharlman, expressed her anguish and frustration, highlighting the system's failure to deliver justice for her daughter. The family shared a heart-wrenching video tribute, remembering Mykaella as a vibrant young woman with dreams of becoming a hair and makeup stylist. They also emphasized the importance of choosing positive influences and avoiding the dangers of drug use.
