Unsolved Murder of Mario Reggi: Seeking Justice After 20 Years
For nearly two decades, the murder of Mario Reggi has remained unsolved, seemingly covered up by the El Cerrito Police Department (ECPD), FBI, and Department of Justice (DOJ) to protect a suspect. In 2005, Dennis Allums identified the potential killer, D.L., yet his efforts to report the information were ignored by authorities, including the Contra Costa Cold Case Unit.
If any law enforcement agency is interested in finally solving this case, please contact Dennis Allums at (510) 239-3514.
Key Events and Background
- The Conflict with D.L.:
In 2005, Mr. Allums removed D.L. from his mother’s house after Officer Alvarez of the ECPD warned that D.L., a longtime friend, was dangerous. Furious, D.L. vowed revenge, openly telling people in Richmond, CA, that he was “coming to get” Mr. Allums. On the night of Mario’s murder, D.L. repeatedly called and messaged Mr. Allums, attempting to lure him out.Sensing danger, Mr. Allums armed himself and waited on the roof of his mother’s house, anticipating an attack. He eventually fell asleep but awoke to the sound of gunfire. Moments later, ECPD officers arrived, asking if Mr. Allums had seen D.L. and requesting to search the house. Mr. Allums granted permission, but D.L. was not found. The officers mentioned only that there had been an “incident.”When asked where D.L. might hide, Mr. Allums suggested the roof of Portola Junior High, a childhood hiding spot. The officers left, but the next day, Mr. Allums tried to report D.L.’s threats and vendetta at the police station. Despite being told the officer in charge would call him, no call ever came. - The Flyer Discovery:
Weeks later, Mr. Allums saw a flyer offering a $10,000 reward for information about a murder. Recognizing the victim as Mario Reggi, he realized the murder likely occurred the same night D.L. was targeting him. Angry and determined, he began searching for answers.By following the trail of flyers across town, he eventually found Mario’s brother, who was posting them. Mr. Allums introduced himself and explained his efforts to share information with ECPD. He told Mario’s brother:- “The police don’t care about your brother. They won’t talk to me, and I know everything about his murder.”
- “You’re doing this all wrong. Stop depending on ECPD and hire a private investigator.”
- “Increase the reward to $100,000—people take action for that kind of money. You don’t even have to pay it upfront; the promise of a reward will motivate leads.”
He gave the brother his phone number and suggested focusing flyers near 13th and Barrett in Richmond, where D.L. had last lived.
- The Meeting with the P.I.:
Mr. Allums met the P.I., an African American man, at a Starbucks in El Cerrito. During their discussion, Mr. Allums shared D.L.’s threats, his suspicious behavior on the night of the murder, and the lack of police action. He emphasized how the authorities had ignored his attempts to help and warned that the ECPD was not interested in solving the case.Suddenly, D.L. entered the Starbucks, smiling as if he had nothing to hide. Recognizing him, Mr. Allums invited him to sit down, masking his shock. He told D.L., “We’re looking into the murder of a young white kid behind my mom’s house a few months ago. Do you know anything about that?”D.L.’s reaction was telling: his eyes filled with tears, and his expression betrayed deep regret. Mr. Allums, who had known D.L. since childhood, immediately understood that D.L. had been involved. Overwhelmed with emotion, Mr. Allums stopped pressing D.L. for answers. D.L. soon left, and the P.I. noted the interaction’s significance. - The Aftermath:
Believing D.L.’s guilt was evident, Mr. Allums assumed the P.I. and police followed up. Years passed, and he moved on, thinking justice had been served. But decades later, he discovered that Mario’s murder remained unsolved. A newspaper article featured Mario’s grieving mother, still pleading for help.Angry and determined to try again, Mr. Allums turned to social platforms like Nextdoor, sharing his knowledge. Despite initial interest from a woman who knew the family, others discouraged her from engaging with him, and she stopped responding.
A Final Attempt for Justice
This is my final effort to help solve the murder of Mario Reggi. If you know anyone interested and joining Mr. Allums in solving the murder of Mario Reggi, maybe a group of Italian Americans they can call him anytime day or night. Thanks for reading.
To Mario’s family: If you prefer I remove this post, please let me know, and I will comply.
Contact: Dennis Allums at (510) 239-3514.
