RON FREITAS
District Attorney
San Joaquin County
Office of the District Attorney
Office of the District Attorney
For Immediate Release
Breaking News
September 20, 2024
Conviction Reached in the Murders of James and Mary Reiswig
Stockton - District Attorney Ron Freitas and The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office are pleased to announce that justice has been served for the family of James and Mary Reiswig, who were tragically murdered in their home on December 16, 2020. A jury has found the defendant guilty of multiple counts, including the first-degree murders of James and Mary Reiswig.
In Count 1, the defendant, Christopher Lee Holland, 57, was found guilty of violating Penal Code 187(a), the first-degree murder of James Reiswig. The jury returned special findings under Penal Code 190.2(a)(3), concluding that the defendant was convicted of multiple murders, as well as findings that the murder was committed during the commission of both a robbery and a burglary.
Similarly, in Count 2, the defendant was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Mary Reiswig, with the same special circumstances under Penal Code 190.2(a)(3), 190.2(a)(17)(a), and 190.2(a)(17)(g) regarding multiple murders, robbery, and burglary.
The jury also returned guilty verdicts in the following counts:
- Count 3: First-degree burglary (PC 459) of James Reiswig
- Count 4: First-degree robbery (PC 212.5(a)) of James Reiswig
- Count 5: First-degree robbery (PC 212.5(a)) of Mary Reiswig
The Honorable Lance Jacot presided over the case, ensuring that justice was carried out in accordance with the law.
The victims, James and Mary Reiswig were pillars of the Portuguese community, and their loss has been deeply felt by all who knew them. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office extends its deepest sympathies to their surviving family members: April Reiswig, Stephen Reiswig, and granddaughter Ashley Reiswig.
District Attorney Ron Freitas praised the trial's outcome: "This verdict represents a victory for justice and the memory of James and Mary Reiswig. Our office remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable, and today, our community is safer because of the tireless work of law enforcement and our prosecution team. While nothing can undo this senseless tragedy, I hope this outcome brings a measure of peace and closure to the Reiswig family."*
The District Attorney’s Office commends Deputy District Attorney Elton Grau, Paralegal Michelle Vargas, and Victim Witness Advocate Jessica Vanover for their tireless efforts in securing this conviction. Their dedication and professionalism throughout the trial were instrumental in obtaining justice for the victims and their family.
Special thanks are also extended to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, including Detective Antonio Cortez, and the California Department of Justice, particularly Sheltri Grisham, James Hamiel, and Richard Johnson, for their exceptional investigative work. Their contributions were vital in bringing this case to a successful resolution.
We also wish to thank the citizens of San Joaquin County who came forward with crucial information that helped solve this case. Without their assistance, justice may not have been possible.
The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all citizens and will continue to seek justice for the victims of violent crime.
Holland is scheduled for sentencing on October 28, 2024 in Department 7A.
Ron Freitas
District Attorney, San Joaquin County
— Protecting Our Community Since 1850