Homicide Suspect Caught In Park Convicted Of Murder

On October 25, 2005, Golden Gate protection rangers and Park Police officers arrested Scott McAlpin after they found the body of a woman in the trunk of his car. Ranger Matt Harrison first contacted McAlpin, who was vomiting out the door of his vehicle parked in the Marin Headlands. A check on him through the California Law Enforcement Teletype System (CLETS) and NCIC revealed that he had a warrantless search condition filed against him. Ranger Ken Barend and USPP officers responded to assist.  Barend opened the trunk of the car and discovered the woman’s body. McAlpin attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly caught and arrested. A further CLETS check revealed that McAlpin was wanted on a statewide lookout as a possible suspect in the murder of Anastasia Melnitchenko in Contra Costa County. USPP crime scene technician Ken Rawles and detective Larry Morales processed the scene and continued the investigation. Rangers and Park Police detectives worked with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department and the Marin County Coroner’s Office to investigate the case.  After meetings between the U.S. Attorney, Marin County Prosecutor’s Office, and Contra Costa County Prosecutor’s Office, it was decided that the homicide most likely occurred in Contra Costa County and that McAlpin would be tried there. On December 4th, McAlpin was convicted of first degree murder in Contra Costa County. He could receive a sentence of 55 years to life because of a previous criminal history.  Sentencing is scheduled for February 9th. [