Kimarii McLemore had recently entered an adult education program as she worked toward a new direction, relatives said.
OAKLAND, Calif. — A 25-year-old woman who relatives said was trying to improve her life was shot and killed Friday morning while attending a carpentry class at an East Oakland adult education center.
Family members identified the woman as Kimarii McLemore. Another person was wounded in the July 31 shooting at the Parker Community Resource Center and was taken to a hospital in stable condition, Oakland police said. No arrest had been announced by Friday afternoon.
The shooting was reported at about 9:15 a.m. at the center on Ney Avenue, which occupies the former Parker Elementary School campus. Police Chief James Beere said officers found two people in their 20s suffering from gunshot wounds. McLemore died at the scene.
Beere said investigators did not believe the shooting was random. Police had developed several leads, he said, but authorities had not disclosed a motive, identified a suspect or said whether one or both victims had been specifically targeted.
McLemore had recently enrolled in the carpentry program, according to her family. Her aunt, Brittia Johnson, said McLemore had faced challenges but was trying to change the course of her life through education and job training.
Relatives said McLemore had expressed concern about attending the class because of a disagreement involving a man in the program. Johnson said McLemore believed the dispute had been settled. Police had not publicly connected that disagreement to the shooting, and it remained unclear whether the person mentioned by the family had any involvement.
Johnson said McLemore’s death had traumatized the entire family. McLemore’s mother remained at the school as authorities investigated, while her brother, Tyriq Long, joined relatives and friends gathered near the campus.
Long said McLemore was remembered as someone whose presence often brought enjoyment to those around her. Her relatives focused on the life she was trying to rebuild and the opportunities she had been pursuing through the adult education program.
The Oakland Unified School District, which administers the resource center, locked down the campus immediately after the gunfire. Students, employees and others were secured in classrooms and the front office. About 20 people were on the campus, and no additional injuries were reported.
The district said it was arranging continued support for students and employees affected by the shooting. Roots Community Health, an anchor tenant at the center, also said the violence had shaken a place intended to provide education, health services and community support.
The Parker center houses Oakland Adult and Career Education programs, including vocational instruction, English-language courses and high school diploma and equivalency classes. The campus also serves residents seeking health care and other resources.
Police continued searching for the person or people responsible. Authorities had not released a suspect description or additional information about what led to the shooting as of Saturday.
Author note: Last updated August 1, 2026.