Two men have been arrested on suspicion of homicide in connection with a shooting in Antioch on May 22.

According to a press release from Antioch Police Acting Captain Leonard Orman, on July 12, Antioch Police arrested Pittsburg resident Steven Abundis and transient Antonio Esquivel, both 21, on charges that they were involved in the shooting of Antioch resident Bridain Harold, 19, on the 2300 block of D Street. Esquivel’s last known address was in Pittsburg.

After officers arrested Abundis, a detective discovered a loaded 9 mm pistol concealed in the driver’s side door panel of his vehicle, believed to be the vehicle used during the slaying.

According to Orman’s press release, a search warrant was then served on Abundis’ residence in Pittsburg, where he lives with his parents. Police found an AK-47-style assault rifle, a .22 caliber rifle and approximately one pound of marijuana, all identified as Abundis’ property. The murder weapon in this case is still outstanding.

Investigators interviewed both men throughout the night, and Esquivel confessed to shooting and killing Harold, a man he claimed he didn’t know. Esquivel claimed to have thrown the murder weapon into the trash somewhere on Buchanan Road in Pittsburg.

According to Esquivel, a confrontation between two groups occurred in the vicinity of Antioch’s downtown waterfront in October of 2010. Esquivel and Harold were members of the opposing groups. Esquivel claimed that Harold tried to throw him off the wall above the railroad tracks. Esquivel was able to hold on to the rail. Esquivel’s friends came to his aid and one of them stabbed Harold.

Orman’s press release notes that investigators have confirmed that a confrontation did occur and involved Harold.

Abundis denied being present at the scene of the shooting and claims he had no knowledge of the crime.

Investigators were able to identify both men as suspects based on information received from the public. Abundis and Esquivel are friends, and known to associate with local gang members in the West Boulevard area of Pittsburg.

One piece of evidence in the case is a tattoo on Esquivel’s chest that reads, “No warning shots.” Esquivel obtained the tattoo approximately two weeks after the shooting, apparently to memorialize the homicide, although Esquivel denies it.

Both men will be booked at the Contra Costa County Jail in Martinez on $1 million bail each. Additional charges involving gang membership, weapons, possession of marijuana for sale and others might be added.

Those with information regarding this investigation should contact Detective Desmond Bittner at 925-779-6939.