Image Gallery

Benicia, California, police officers Monty Castillo and Tom Dalby. Dalby, a patrol officer in February 1995, was the first to question Jack Barron in the death of his mother, Roberta Butler. Castillo investigated the case, eventually turning his information over to Sacramento County authorities for prosecution. Two years later, Dalby (bearded) and Castillo switched jobs, making Castillo the patrol officer and Dalby the detective. Benicia Police believe that periodic job rotation makes police sharper. (Photos by Carlton Smith)

Coroner’s Deputy Billy Guillot and Dr. Gregory Reiber of the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office in the autopsy suite. Guillot was convinced the Barrons had been murdered by Jack Barron, but received no assistance from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department until after the death of Roberta Butler. After Roberta’s death, Dr. Reiber reviewed the autopsy of Irene Barron and found evidence of murder. (Photo by Robert Anthony, courtesy of Sacramento County Coroner)

Roberta Butler. Roberta was feuding with her son Jack in the weeks before she was found dead in her bed February 27, 1995. It was Roberta’s death, ruled a homicide, that led eventually to Jack’s arrest on charges that he murdered his entire family.

Bea Kennedy, Roberta’s closest friend in Benicia, with Ashley’s traveling suitcase containing her dolls, crayons, and Pinocchio book. Ashley often stayed with Bea and her family. After Ashley’s death, Roberta gave Ashley’s suitcase to Bea to remember her by. (Photo by Carlton Smith)