URGENT UPDATE: A devastating incident in Martinez has revealed that a 19-year-old woman, Shaniyah Kazee, was pregnant when her mother, Brittney Kazee, allegedly stabbed her in the stomach, leading to both their deaths. This tragic event unfolded on November 18, 2023, at approximately 1:40 p.m. in the parking lot of their apartment complex on Fig Tree Lane.
Authorities confirm that during a heated argument, Brittney, 36, reportedly used a small kitchen knife to deliver the fatal blow. Eyewitnesses, including Shaniyah’s boyfriend, witnessed parts of the shocking crime. One resident described seeing Brittney covered in blood, clutching the suspected murder weapon shortly after the stabbing. Another witness recounted how Shaniyah’s boyfriend attempted to keep her alive while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
The case took a heart-wrenching turn as investigators discovered Shaniyah’s pregnancy during her autopsy. Although this revelation adds a tragic layer to the story, it will not directly impact the charges, as the fetus was too early in development to be counted as a separate homicide victim under state law. However, Contra Costa prosecutors have previously pursued double murder charges in cases involving pregnant women who were further along.
In the minutes leading to her arrest, Brittney allegedly changed her clothes and disposed of the knife used in the attack. She has pleaded not guilty to murder charges and is currently being held in Contra Costa County with a bail set at $2.03 million. Court records indicate that Brittney had active warrants for violating probation and was involved in a separate incident where she allegedly crashed her car and fled while intoxicated.
Brittney is scheduled to appear in court again in February for a pretrial hearing as the investigation continues. The community is in shock as they grapple with the implications of this tragic event, which underscores the severe impact of domestic disputes.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
