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June 19, 2009

Walnut Creek man linked to murder and arson involving estranged wife and her male friend

Police are seeking murder charges against Robert Hoselton, 39, in connection with the death of a 42-year-old man who was found Thursday evening in his Pleasant Hill home, a few blocks from Walnut Creek's Larkey Park, the Contra Costa Times reports.

Hoselton had been arrested earlier Thursday after a brief stand-off with police at his estranged wife's home about three miles north in Pleasant Hill. According to police, Hoselton barricaded himself in the Mary Drive house, set it on fire, and stabbed hmself.

Police decided to seek the murder charges against Hoselton after discovering the body of Manuel Gwin at about 7:40 p.m. at 2900 Dorothy Drive. Police had gone to Gwin's home to perform a welfare check after being told that he was not answering telephone calls and that a friend spotted what looked like blood on his front porch.

Police said that Gwin and Hoselton's estranged wife were friends, but declined to comment further on the relationship.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know Robert Hoselton personally and for many years. I've lost touch with him in the past eight or so, but this whole story just doesn't seem like him whatsoever.

It's amazing a person can do something like this if it is in fact true.

My condolences to the families and the community....

Anonymous said...

I am a cousin of Robert's, and when I found this out, I was shocked. I never thought he would do such a thing.

My regards go out to Gwin and his family.

Martha Ross said...

To friends and family of Robert Hoselton,
I'm very sorry you're dealing with this, and to deliver the news.
I'm just reporting what other news outlets are reporting. I'm sure there are many layers and complexities that are not being made public. Reports in newspapers and on blogs such as this will only skim the surface of things.
You know your friend and loved one in a way that doesn't mesh with what you're reading here.
I can understand your shock and sadnesss.
Things happen in people's lives that push them in directions they, or others, wouldn't expect. Or they have thoughts and feelings going on inside themselves that they keep hidden, because they are terrified or ashamed ...
I know this from personal experience.
Anyway, I'm sorry, and I, too, send my condolescences to the families.

Anonymous said...

we are friends with both Robert and veronica and we are also shocked thank god the kids and veronica are ok I pray for robert and we will miss him just so hard to understand.

Anonymous said...

Obviously, this is a horrible outcome to a troubled marriage. From what I hear, Robert is not the type of person to commit these type of offenses. I believe that he was provoked by the victim. Perhaps in self defense. Shortly after the offense, Robert still felt anger and despair and set his house on fire. I do not believe he was intentionally trying to hurt anyone. However, his mind was set that his life was over and there was nothing else he could do.

Anonymous said...

Very sad to read all of this. Many of us blinked and ten years passed by. Anyone that knew Robert, back in Southern CA, would know that he would have never done anything like this in his right mind. The best we can do now is pray for both families and let the justice system handle the rest. May God watch over the children, keep them safe, and shelter them from all of the horrible media. Although Robert is here on earth, his family has lost a son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. Many prayers for the family of Manuel (I did not know him) May he rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

Case is coming up. Get ready for some suprises. I know both husband and wife. He should not have married that lady.

Anonymous said...

I know robert, but i also know veronica and her sister liz. If you couldnt tell they are both under psychiatric care, and taking psych meds. veronica and liz do not know how to be in a positive loving relationship.

Anonymous said...

an overall sad situation where some of the root causes are probably carrying on to this day. we could only hope they get resolved with the possibility of an intervention or the light of an epiphany. my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families, especially the kids. Especially the kids...

Anonymous said...

The devastation continues and will NEVER stop. I am so sad and upset to this day, myself. The murderer has served 6 years of his too short sentence, and will sadly be released at some point. I did a search, just curious what was still online about this horrific act. Easy to find many news stories STILL, even after 6 years. No amount of jailing or mental help can change the decision Robert made that day. And I will always believe he knew exactly what he was doing, and, believe he injured himself afterwards for sympathy. Nothing will help the survivors of the victim, or the family of the murderer. Or us, his friends! I remember him… he used to be a nice man. He was my friend! I also personally know the murderers relatives well. Some are still in denial, unaware of how sick he truly is. Those that are aware of the truth are completely devastated and confused. While reading the comments here, it appears as if he even made one himself… claiming self defense or provocation. Proof, it seems, he is a scary and manipulative murderer. That was not the Robert I knew and loved. I also remember learning about him choking his wife for no reason just weeks before, and leaving extreme bruises (I saw myself) all over her neck. I learned that the Fire cleanup afterwards revealed that he had been spying on his Wife and children, with an elaborate system he had secretly installed in the house. If he had paid attention, he would have known he was the problem, and that his Wife was not having any affair with anybody. The spying is more proof that he had been mentally ill for awhile before this senseless murder. His family had become scared of him because he was not acting rationally, was constantly angry, and was no longer being his loving self. Before his second child was born he seemed to check out, and I do not remember him being his nice old self for a few years before this happened. The undeserving victim was only a friend, and Real Estate agent, that had recently helped the murderer and his family find their home. Roberts mental illness and insecurity caused his irrationality. I often wonder how much his past of Meth use affected his brain. He had been clean for awhile, but, was an addict for years. Crystal meth is known for the fact it can cause psychosis well after no longer being used. I am attempting to post this here, in hopes that future curious friends and family seeking the TRUTH will see it. The fact is Robert WAS a nice Man and human being at one point, but, is no longer himself at all. He is a murderer that chose to take another human beings life for no reason. I pray he will prove himself as unworthy for release. The truth needs to be known… this murderer needs to stay in Prison. He is no longer the human being he once was!

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of both Veronica and Robert lets be clear that veronica was sleeping with the victim and she warned him about her husband becoming upset, the victim stated oh ya im scared like what could he do ha ha ha. Yes Robert did wromg and so did Veronica who after this tried to sleep with my husband, its crazy the poor kids are left with her and should be taked. Pray for those kids