A murder charge has been added against a suspect in the assault that claimed the life of 76‑year‑old Pinole resident Vera Chang Rowsey, a beloved, retired local educator, former police officer and dispatcher.
On Wednesday, May 28, at approximately 2 p.m., Rowsey was walking her dog in Bayfront Park alongside her husband, Dave Rowsey, when they were attacked by a suspect unknown to them who was wielding a blunt object, according to the Pinole Police Department. Vera died from her injuries several days later. Dave suffered from a broken jaw.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, law enforcement obtained suspect descriptions from witnesses. Miguel Patino, 27, was subsequently arrested at his Richmond residence. Initially facing charges of aggravated battery, assault with a deadly weapon (non‑firearm), and elder abuse, Patino, who remains in custody, now also faces murder charges following Rowsey’s death.
The investigation into the attack remains open, and authorities have not disclosed a motive.
Vera’s death has deeply impacted the community. In the Facebook post sharing news of her tragic passing, former students and colleagues praised the former educator as “an amazing human who touched so many.”
“She was one of those teachers you never forget and she made a positive impact on all of her students,” said a former student who took her history class at Adams Middle School in the late 1980s. “She was a petite woman but a giant in spirit. I remember one of the first stories she shared about herself was that she was a police officer before becoming a teacher. I was totally impressed. She made middle school exciting and I always looked forward to attending her class.”
Added another former student, “I am devastated. She was definitely kind and caring as my 6th grade teacher at El Portal. Then to be able to reconnect with her many years later when my younger siblings had her as their principal at De Anza. She was such a great human and she will be missed.”
Vera graduated from De Anza High and was also a former BART police officer and a dispatcher for the Richmond Police Department, according to her brother Daryl Chang. Her husband Dave is a retired BART police sergeant.
Vera was also highly active in the community, participating in the West County Forum, tennis and dancing. She is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, and many friends.
Pinole Mayor Cameron Sasai remembered Rowsey as “a beloved member of our Pinole community.
“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, impacted by this senseless act of violence,” Sasai said.