Oakland man imprisoned for homicide that appeared to be a setup

OAKLAND — One thing is certain: Danery Quinonez-Vasquez pleaded no contest to killing Mitchell Monroe, and is serving a 15-year prison term.

But much about the 2023 killing of Monroe remains unresolved, and it’s possible that it will stay that way forever. Quinonez-Vasquez, 29, is the only suspect ever to be charged, but Monroe spent the last evening of his life expressing fury at two other individuals — one of whom was also arrested, court records show.

Monroe, 27, of Antioch, was shot and killed around 4 a.m. on May 6, 2023, near the exit to Keller Avenue from Interstate 580 in Oakland. Hours earlier, he had angrily accused his significant other of being with another man, apparently accurately: After first denying it, the woman would later tell police that she and a 30-year-old man had been together the night of the 5th, authorities said in court filings.

The texts became heated, and lasted into the early morning of the 6th. At around 3 a.m., with less than an hour left to live, Monroe texted the woman a profane insult and said, “he can have you.”

Authorities believe he then attempted to confront the 30-year-old man, driving after him from Antioch into Oakland.

The man allegedly called Quinonez-Vasquez during the drive, according to Oakland police. They said in court filings it appeared that Quinonez-Vasquez had “advanced knowledge” of where Monroe was about to drive, and he later admitted that he instructed the 30-year-old man to get off on Keller Avenue, where he was waiting.

Quinonez-Vasquez then fired several shots into Monroe’s vehicle, killing him.

Monroe left behind two daughters, according to an online fundraiser in his memory.

“He was a kind and compassionate soul who touched the lives of many with his infectious smile and his unwavering positivity. He was a role model, a friend, and a pillar of strength for those who were lucky enough to know him,” the fundraiser says. “His legacy will continue through his daughters, who will always carry a part of him with them.”

Police arrested the 30-year-old man on suspicion of murder, but released him after questioning him. He told police that he noticed a vehicle driving behind him on the way to Oakland from Antioch, and that it appeared the other car was tailgating him “aggressively,” authorities said in court records. He said he got scared and called Quinonez-Vasquez because he was afraid for his safety.

Quinonez-Vasquez was later arrested on suspicion of murder and conspiracy to commit murder — a crime that involves plotting with others to kill someone — but he was only charged with murder. The 30-year-old man was never charged with a crime, court records show.

The murder charge against Quinonez-Vasquez was dismissed through a plea deal finalized last April. Quinonez-Vasquez pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the 15-year sentence. He was transferred to North Kern State Prison last May, and remains housed there, records show.

Quinonez-Vasquez received credit for the two years spent in jail while the charges were pending, court records show.