Concord Woman Arrested for Homicide, Allegedly Suffocated Boyfriend

A Concord woman was charged Tuesday with the murder of her boyfriend, whom police previously believed had died of natural causes.

Emergency responders unsuccesfully attempted to save 47-year-old Danny Ray Bennett's life on Nov. 25, after his girlfriend, Dava Alizabeth-Ann Steen, 41, reported Bennett had stopped breathing.

Steen told police Bennett had a history of "significant health and medical issues," which authorities later confirmed. The case was then classified as a natural cause death.

New information provided to detectives last week by a potential witness, however, led police to investigate the death as a homicide and they now believe Steen suffocated Bennett, according to a press release.

Steen was ultimately arrested and charged after detectives seized evidence from the couple's Wren Avenue home, which they claim support the homicide allegations. 

Police say no further information is being released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Major Crimes Unit Detective Greg Pardella at (925) 603-5922. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the Concord Police Department Tip-line at (925) 603-5836.