Oakland police seek person of interest in homicide last summer

Oakland police seek person of interest in homicide last summer

OAKLAND – Authorities on Tuesday released a sketch of a person of interest in the shooting death of a man last August in Oakland.

A sketch of a person of interest in the shooting death of 20-year-old Damani William last Aug. in Oakland was released on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Oakland Police Department) 

The shooting happened just after midnight on Aug. 30, in the 500 block of East 18th Street. Officers arrived to find two men, ages 20 and 18, suffering from gunshot wounds.

The 20-year-old man, identified as Demani William, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 18-year-old man was hospitalized but survived.

In addition to releasing a sketch of a person of interest, police said the suspect was driving a white Ford F-150.

Oakland police have not released a motive for the fatal shooting. In October, when authorities first identified the victim, police were investigating the possibility it was gang-related.

A loaded pistol with an extended magazine was found inside the victims’ vehicle, police said.

In the days after William’s death, his Instagram page was flooded with condolences. There were also several comments from one account mocking his violent death, including one that suggested firsthand knowledge of where he was shot.

The suspect in the shooting death of 20-year-old Damani William last Aug. in Oakland was driving this white Ford F-150, according to authorities. (Oakland Police Department) 

Anyone with information related to the case can contact the OPD Homicide Section at 510-238-3821 or the tip line at 510-238-7950.

Staff writer Nate Gartrell contributed to this report.

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