William Robinson Obituary, Death – Residents reported hearing a series of rapid gunshots in East Oakland on Tuesday afternoon, where a homicide had occurred, marked by numerous evidence markers at the scene. The incident transpired in a crowded parking lot while the victim was engaged in his work. A memorial consisting of candles and flowers has been established at the location where a man was fatally shot.
A family member has identified the victim as William Robinson, an alumnus of Oakland High School. Relatives and neighbors noted that the 27-year-old man operated under a tent, providing cell phone services to low-income clients, and was present at that location on a daily basis.
The shooting occurred near a mural that bears the message “Heal Oakland,” situated in the rear parking lot of a Dollar Store on International Boulevard. “I am extremely vigilant. One must generally be cautious wherever they go. Unfortunately, in Oakland, heightened vigilance is necessary,” remarked Dominica Alexander, a local resident.
The proprietor of a nearby tire shop expressed that this incident exemplifies the pervasive violent crime affecting Oakland.
“I heard approximately 25 shots fired. I was across the street when the police arrived, and someone had died,” stated Ricardo Vindiola, who has operated his tire shop in the area for two decades. City Councilman Noel Gallo emphasized, “We are facing a significant crime issue here. It is an emergency that requires our attention. We need an increased law enforcement presence to uphold the laws currently in place.”
Gallo criticized other city officials who reference statistics indicating a decline in violent crime. “They do not experience it firsthand,” he asserted. “They are not involved; they do not witness it.” Gallo arrived at the crime scene shortly after the shooting occurred and reported that three assailants discharged their firearms at the victim.
“They approached, shot him, and then fled the scene,” Gallo recounted. Residents expressed their discomfort regarding the numerous gunshots fired during this incident, noting that law enforcement is often absent until a tragedy occurs.
“Every day, more individuals lose their lives on the streets, and there is no police response,” Vindiola lamented.
Authorities have stated that they are conducting a follow-up investigation into the events surrounding the shooting.