Justice for Deanna Butterfield

Hi everybody,

I’m writing on behalf of my niece, Melissa Silva Delgadillo, who was only 4 1/2 years old when her mother and our friend, Dee Dee Butterfield, was sexually assaulted and strangled in December 1987.  No child should have to grow up without her mother, especially when the murderer was still out there walking the streets among us.  Dee Dee was only 21 years old when her life was tragically cut short by the actions of a stranger.  Dee Dee was a free spirit whose laughter was infectious and was always so much fun to be around.  Dee Dee lived in Livermore and attended Granada High Class of '84. 

Melissa was persistent over the years, pressuring the detectives to solve this murder.  She regularly contacted the East Bay Regional Park police, asking for updates and finally, after almost 30 years had passed, they were able to give her the good news in April 2015 that they finally had a suspect.  The suspect has been arrested and charges have been brought against him for the murder of Dee Dee and another woman in the Bay Area.  We have no idea how many other victims may have crossed his path over the years, but thankfully he is finally off the streets and is ready to stand trial. 

As the trial is quickly approaching, I am reaching out to all our friends and family asking for donations to help cover the travel expenses for Melissa and her two year old daughter, Ellie, to attend as many court dates as possible and so she can be present throughout the entire trial.  Melissa also plans to be an advocate for the other victim’s rights and families in this cold case situation and would like to help provide aide to other homicide victim families as well.  Melissa is very grateful and appreciative for any donations provided to help her see this murderer face justice.