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Crime & Safety

NAPA DA UPDATE: "Show Kindness Toward Each Other"

Napa County District Gary Lieberstein issues statement in wake of death of his son, Adam.

UPDATE: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein issued the following statement in the wake of the death of his son Adam Lieberstein, on March 26.

Adam Lieberstein, 31, who lived in Napa, was identified over the weekend as the man whose body burned on a Highway 29 pedestrian bridge last week.

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“Adam was a generous and caring man who was dearly loved by his family and friends,” Gary Lieberstein said in the statement.

“He also was one of millions across our country suffering from a disease of his brain," he said. "Unfortunately he lost his battle and left us last week.

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“Our family is grateful for the memories we have and to everyone reaching out to us with their love and support," Lieberstein said.

"More than anything, we ask that people show kindness toward each other -- especially to those whose appearance or lifestyle they may not understand,” Lieberstein added.

ORIGINAL STORY: 7 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2013.

Evidence found at the scene of the death of a 31-year-old Napa man -- including a type of accelerant -- points to suicide, according to Napa Police Capt. Jeff Troendly.

The body of Adam Lieberstein, son of Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein and his wife Patti, was found fully engulfed in flames around 4 a.m. March 26 on the Highway 29 pedestrian bridge, south of Trancas Street.

Troendly said this afternoon an accelerant -- or something that would ignite a fire -- was found at the scene of the fatality.

“We are leaning toward suicide, but have not completely ruled out the possibility of a homicide,” Troendly said Monday.

Troendly said no suicide note was found.

Napa County District Attorney Gary Lieberstein, contacted by phone Monday, said he was not at a point where he could talk to the media.

“I am not ready at this time to make a statement about my son,” he said. “I am working on a statement for the press and (on) his obituary.”

Adam Lieberstein was not known to local law enforcement, Troendly said.

“As far I know, he did not have any previous serious run-ins with the law here in Napa,” Troendly added.

An autopsy performed on the body showed no signs of trauma other than the fire. The victim did not suffer cuts, severe beating or gunshot wounds, Troendly said.

Troendly said detectives are gathering information to determine Lieberstein’s activities a few days prior to his death.

“This will help us determine the victim’s demeanor, whom he associated with and places he went in the days prior to his death,” Troendly said.

Little information was available about Adam Lieberstein’s life. Phone calls made to Gary Lieberstein’s professional associates said they knew he had a son, but that they knew little about him.

Adam Lieberstein graduated from Justin Siena High School in 2000.

“I have only been here for four years, so I did not know Adam,” Justin Siena principal Robert Jordan said.

“I am sure there are people here who knew him; however, it’s spring break, so the staff is not here," Jordan said. "My heart goes out to the family. This is such a horrific loss for them.”

Adam’s burning body was discovered by motorists on Highway 29, who notified authorities.

“So far that’s about all we have as far as witnesses,” Troendly said.

The Napa community was in mourning Monday for the Lieberstein family's loss.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Napa Police Det. Sean Ulitin at 707-257-9509.

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