Alameda Police Solve 45-Year-Old Cold Case Homicide

Published on March 21, 2022

In April 2021, the Alameda Police Department established a cold case unit comprised of two retired Alameda Police Sergeants and a retired Alameda Police Officer. Over the last 11 months, the Department’s Cold Case Unit has meticulously investigated several unsolved Alameda homicides, and today we can bring answers to one of the victim’s family and friends.

On March 16, 1977, 43-year-old Richard Bischel, Sr., sustained multiple stab wounds during an attempted burglary, while at home with his young son. He died at the hospital from his injuries.

Given new technology in forensics, the Alameda Police Department’s Cold Case Unit, led by retired Officer Lorenzo Graham, was able to submit critical evidence to the Serological Research Institute (SERI) for examination. Based on other circumstantial evidence and positive DNA confirmation, Richard Curley Bernard was positively identified at the person responsible for the murder of Richard Bischel, Sr.

“We appreciate the diligent work of the Alameda Police Department in solving this 45-year-old case. The suspect is deceased, but the family of the victim now knows the identity of the perpetrator, and that law enforcement never stopped looking for him,” said Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Mark Melton.

A press conference will be held tomorrow regarding this cold case.

When: Tuesday, March 22, 2022, 11:00 am

Where: Alameda Free Library Main Branch, 1550 Oak Street, in the Stafford Room. Please use the Library's rear entrance. Facebook live stream will be available at facebook.com/alamedapd.