Family Seeks Justice in Unresolved Oxnard Transit Center Shooting as Mother Files Lawsuit Against the City

Oxnard, CA — In the early morning hours of June 19, 2022, tragedy struck the Oxnard Transit Center where William Tenner, 57, and Nicole M. Albillar, 33, were found deceased, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The incident has left the city grappling with questions of public safety and the effectiveness of security measures at public transport hubs.

Tenner, described by his mother, Freddie Mae Tenner, as a man who once played football for Ventura High School and later worked as a painter and handyman, was remembered for his generosity towards the homeless, often providing them with food and clothing. His unexpected death has devastated his family, who are now seeking justice and answers through legal means.

Freddie Mae Tenner filed a wrongful death and survival lawsuit against the city of Oxnard last month, spearheaded by her quest for accountability and the hope to uncover the truth behind her son’s untimely death. The lawsuit criticizes the city for what it claims is a failure to allocate sufficient resources to ensure safety at the transit center.

“The lawsuit aims to address both the emotional and financial damage endured by the Tenner family,” said Terrence Jones, the attorney handling the case. He highlighted the family’s ongoing struggle with their loss, which has significantly impacted Freddie Mae Tenner’s health.

The city’s surveillance systems, crucial for crime deterrence and investigations, have reportedly been non-functional since at least 2019, an issue the lawsuit addresses as a significant security lapse. According to the family’s legal representatives, this lack of surveillance has indirectly supported criminal activities by providing a cover of darkness under which illegal actions go unnoticed and unrecorded.

In response to these allegations and the ongoing lawsuit, city officials including Oxnard Police Cmdr. Rocky Marquez, stressed the complexity of the investigation, mentioning the active pursuit of leads despite the time that has elapsed. Marquez emphasized that discussing details of the investigation publicly could jeopardize their efforts.

Initially, local police described both victims as homeless, a point of contention and pain for the Tenner family. Freddie Mae Tenner refuted this claim, asserting that her son lived with her and had never been without a home. The portrayal of victims in media and by authorities often shapes public perception and potentially the resources allocated to solving such cases.

“This case reflects broader issues of racial bias and the stigma often cast on victims, impacting the thoroughness of investigations,” remarked Jones, pointing out the challenges faced by families of victims who are misrepresented.

The city of Oxnard has not publicly commented on the pending litigation, maintaining a stance typical in ongoing legal matters. However, community members and advocacy groups are closely monitoring the case, viewing its outcome as potentially precedent-setting for how transit safety and city accountability are addressed in Oxnard and potentially other jurisdictions.

As the legal proceedings gain momentum with a hearing scheduled for November, the Tenner family continues to grapple with their loss, remembering William as a man who “would give the shirt off his back,” as his mother fondly recalled. The resolution of this case could bring not only closure to the family but also significant changes to public safety practices in city-operated spaces.