Monte Rio homicide suspect was on probation

The man arrested in connection with a suspected homicide Friday in Monte Rio was on probation for two misdemeanor crimes committed last year, according to court records.

Bret Matz, 46, was set to be arraigned Tuesday in Sonoma County court for the murder of his partner and roommate. The man, whose name hasn’t been released by law enforcement, is believed to have been bludgeoned to death Friday. Matz was arrested on Saturday.

Investigators were withholding the name of the victim because they were still trying to locate the man’s father, sheriff’s officials said Monday.

Matz’s most recent case, a felony assault, was dismissed after the female victim requested the restraining order against him be removed.

Matz was arrested in connection with the September incident and after the victim and police testified against him at a preliminary hearing, he was held over for trial.

But on Dec. 2, the woman asked the court to revoke a criminal protective order against Matz in the case. The case was dismissed three days later.

Matz has two prior convictions in the county, both for misdemeanors in 2008. He was sentenced to three years' probation in connection with a May drunken driving charge and was ordered to serve two years' probation in an unrelated vandalism charge from August, according to court records.

Matz remained in custody without bail in Sonoma County Jail Monday.

The victim was found dead Friday in their home on Middle Terrace, up the hill from downtown Monte Rio. He apparently had been beaten with a blunt instrument to the head.

An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.