Local News in Brief : Costa Mesa : Robbery-Slaying Suspect Is Arrested
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A suspect in the slaying of a Diamond Bar woman was arrested Tuesday morning at a Costa Mesa motel, authorities said.
Allen David Brooks, 42, is being held in connection with the shotgun murder of Belinda Brecke, 31, in a Diamond Bar check-cashing store on Dec. 15, 1988. The suspect fled with $10,000 to $15,000, police said.
Costa Mesa Police Lt. Gary Webster alleged that Brooks held up two Orange County restaurants Monday and escaped with an undetermined amount of money.
A Costa Mesa patrol officer spotted a Dodge van about 3 a.m. parked outside the motel. The vehicle fit the description of a getaway vehicle used in the robberies. Police set up a small SWAT team outside of the motel about 6:30 a.m. and Brooks surrendered 15 minutes later.
Police think that Brooks is a transient who lived at the hotel.
He remains in custody of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
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