Sonoma County

Santa Rosa Man Accused of Murdering Estranged Wife, Father Delays Plea

A Santa Rosa man delayed entering pleas Tuesday morning to charges that he murdered his estranged wife and his father at their Santa Rosa homes last month.

Dalton James Carlson, 32, allegedly killed Dale Robert Carlson, 57, and Jessica Noel Carlson, 37, on or around Feb. 24. Their bodies were found by friends or relatives less than two hours apart in east and west Santa Rosa on Feb. 25.

Dale Carson was found dead in his home in the 2600 block of Valley Center Drive at 10:53 a.m. and Jessica Carlson's body was found in the 1500 block of Glenbrook Avenue at 12:37 p.m., according to Santa Rosa police.

Carlson is charged with two counts each of murder and burglary and one count of violating a peaceful contact order regarding his wife Jessica, Deputy District Attorney Robert Maddock said.

At the time, Dalton Carlson was facing a misdemeanor charge of battery on his wife on Dec. 25 and damaging a communications device. He posted $30,000 bond on Jan. 9, according to Sonoma County Superior Court records.

The misdemeanor battery complaint was filed against him on Feb. 15 when he pleaded not guilty and the peaceful contact restraining order was filed and served against him. A settlement conference was scheduled for March 7.

Carlson was arrested Feb. 24 on suspicion of being under the influence of a drug outside his wife's house that morning and violating the peaceful contact restraining order.

The victims' bodies were found the next day. Carlson is scheduled to enter a plea April 18.

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