Oakland, California – Two individuals, both 18 years old, are facing charges of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident on January 21 outside a local fast food restaurant in Oakland. Court records reveal that 28-year-old Kenyetta Chapman of Brentwood was fatally shot, while a 19-year-old woman managed to escape being killed by running and hopping a fence. The suspects, identified as Jamal Watts of Oakland and Juliese Lawson of Pacheco, have been implicated in the crimes.
Lawson, identified as the shooter, allegedly knocked on the car window where Chapman and the young woman were sleeping before opening fire. Watts is reported to have handed Lawson the shotgun used in the shooting. Chapman’s funeral took place in February at a Richmond church, where he was remembered as a dedicated family man who worked two jobs to support his loved ones.
Following the fatal shooting, Chapman’s companion was able to flee the scene and avoid further harm. The police investigation led to the arrest of Watts, who is currently in Santa Rita Jail awaiting an upcoming arraignment. However, Lawson remains at large and is considered a fugitive by law enforcement. The incident occurred on the 2400 block of East 24th Street in Oakland early in the morning.
In a separate incident, Watts was questioned by Oakland police in connection to an armed robbery, where the victim narrowly escaped a bullet thanks to gardening clippers stored in his pocket. This miraculous escape led to further inquiries into Watts’ involvement in criminal activities. The eulogy for Chapman highlighted his positive attributes, including his caring nature, hardworking ethic, and commitment to his family.
The tragic events of January 21 have left a community in mourning and raised concerns about safety in the area. The ongoing investigation into the shooting aims to bring justice for the victims and their families. As the legal proceedings continue, the impact of this senseless violence resonates throughout Oakland, underscoring the need for solutions to address and prevent such tragedies in the future.