The Oakland Police Department held a press conference Sunday to discuss details of a deadly shooting in West Oakland on Saturday night.
The shooting happened at DeFremery Park near the 1600 block of Adeline Street around 7:30 p.m., during a picnic held by McClymonds Alumni Action Committee.
Deputy Chief Frederick Shavies said the victim, an alumnus of McClymonds High School, was two days away from celebrating his 39th birthday when he was killed. Police have not disclosed his identity nor a motive for the shooting.
Shavies said the fatality was the 70th homicide this year.
“Community members spanning multiple generations were having festivities, taking place at the park,” Shavies said. “Unfortunately after 7:30 p.m., shots rang out at the center of the park.”
He said investigators believe there may have been more than one shooter at the event.
“We’re thankful that no one else at this crowded, family friendly event was harmed,” Shavies added.
“I want to send my heart, prayers and thoughts to those who have been victimized,” said Mayor Sheng Thao during a press conference Sunday morning. “Not just to the family members of the victim, but those who were there on that day who were terrorized. There is no place for violence here in the city of Oakland. This is an annual event, where we have seen year after year peaceful gatherings of the alumni group with McClymonds High. It is unconscionable that someone would … take someone’s life during a party celebration.”
Community members and volunteers were on the scene Sunday cleaning up the area after the shooting left the location in disarray.
Thao said the school would offer grief counseling to those traumatized by the shooting.
“I also want to acknowledge that there are community leaders who are here in the city. We have resources for great grief counselors,” Thao said.
The Oakland Police Department is urging anyone who may have details about the shooting to call 510-238-3821.
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