Cracking cold case earns officer top honor

CONCORD, CA (Feb. 26, 2025) — A generation after a heinous crime, Detective David Boucher brought justice for the paraplegic victim who did not live to see her perpetrator answer for it.

The tireless effort that Boucher displayed in bringing closure to the December 2000 assault served as the impetus for bestowing him with the well-deserved accolade as the 2024 Kiwanis Police Officer of the Year.

The tears welling up in his eyes when handed the microphone at the club’s annual award presentation certainly served as a powerful indicator of the sensitivity and concern for justice that Boucher brings to his work with each victim in his duties with the Concord Police Department Special Victims Unit and as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. As part of this task force, he investigates reports of child sexual exploitation including child pornography, online predatory behavior against children and child prostitution.

‘I couldn’t be prouder’

Holding back tears, Boucher reached out to take the hand of his wife, Elexia. He lauded the unconditional support she has given to him through the years.

Despite the numerous times he has called her to say he would be late getting home, the response has been the same: “OK. I understand. I love you. I will be here when you get home,” said the soft-spoken detective.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” Elexia said, citing the work her husband does for victims and how he cares for them through his role with the department. “I recognize the work you do is important, and it gives me peace.”

Boucher noted the first couple of years had a steep learning curve. He praised Darryl Holcombe, formerly with Concord PD and now a senior inspector with the ICAC Task Force in the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, who took him under his wing to teach him the ropes.

‘Not a job for everyone’

Lt. Kevin Halm, who put forth the nomination of Boucher, has known the honoree since 2017 and pointed out his diligent work ethic with every case. The 2000 cold case was no exception.

“Every hurdle that was presented to him, he found a way to overcome it and get a successful prosecution,” Halm said.

Halm noted that the difficult crimes the Special Victims Unit handles pose challenges on a mental and emotional level unlike others, and it takes a person with a special skill set.

“It’s certainly not a job for everyone, and people realize, ‘This isn’t for me,’ ” Halm said.

‘Dogged determination’

Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, the recipient of the 2012 Kiwanis honor, echoed this sentiment and praised Boucher for taking on the role.

“To see the children who are victimized,” said Carlson, “I couldn’t do (that job), I couldn’t bring myself to do it.”

Halm described the way Boucher looks at the mechanics of a case and then approaches it piece by piece in a very organized fashion.
“He starts identifying the hurdles and how to get over them,” said Halm.

Police Chief Mark Bustillos touted the skills that Boucher put forth to bring closure to the 25- year-old cold case as a reflection of the “dogged determination” Boucher and his peers in the detective bureau bring to the job.

Decades after the crime, Boucher talked with witnesses who had been in contact with the victim at the time of the assault and obtained detailed statements that corroborated the victim’s report.

“You showed extremely good interviewing skills to get them back in that space,” Bustillos said.

Obtaining a confession

Initially, the suspect refused to provide a statement. ­Undeterred, Boucher pressed on, locating an additional witness who provided information that placed the suspect at the location of the assault.

Shortly thereafter, the suspect called and asked to speak to Boucher. This time, the flight to Los Angeles resulted in the suspect’s full confession to the crime.

Based on the confession, DNA evidence and corroborating statements, the District Attorney’s Office filed charges against the suspect, who now faces life in prison.

Such an effort was critical as getting a conviction would otherwise would have been difficult, if practically impossible, the chief said.

In his time with the department, Boucher has authored more than 50 search warrants related to investigations into child sexual exploitation and has been involved in dozens of arrests. He also teaches internet safety to parents at local churches and schools to help prevent child victimization.