Good Samaritan killed in unspeakable tragedy
Good Samaritan killed in unspeakable tragedy
As one perpetuated an act of goodwill in his community, another rose to levels of unthinkable cruelty and disregard for human life. The incident, which took place on Wednesday morning, involved a 29-year old neighborhood humanitarian who, with his wife and children, routinely provided hot meals to local homeless people. While delivering a fish dinner to a homeless man named William, this do-gooder was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting committed by one unrelated and otherwise unknown to either the homeless man or the Good Samaritan.
William described the scene as without words, without sound. The vehicle drove up to the spot where the victim was delivering the hot meal and conversing with William. Without any exchange or warning, the driver opened fire and shot the victim in the head. The bullet grazed the victim's wife and young step-child, who had accompanied the victim on his typical route.
The Oakland police department calls the tragedy an 'outrage' as the victim was well-known on the streets of East Oakland for providing daily meals and a kind word to those less fortunate. The Mayor of Oakland remarked that this crime would make no sense other than for a case of mistaken identity.
The suspect was alone in a turquoise-colored Ford Aerostar van when he fired three shots in the direction of the victim and his family. The victim's pregnant wife was hit by one of the bullets but did not notice until nearly 30 minutes later as she was in such shock from the incident.
Currently, a $25,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the offender responsible for this tragedy.
The Oakland police have their work cut out for them as everyone present at the scene was unable to retain any information with regard to the license plate or identity of the shooter. All are pretty certain he was alone in the vehicle, but the victim's widow stated that she is very concerned that a person with this level of disregard is likely to strike again- and she does not want to see anyone else killed or injured by the gunman.
William is certain the Oakland police will catch the predator as he remarked the Oakland police department is "pretty good at catching bad guys."
A trust account is in place at Wells Fargo Bank for anyone interested in donating to the surviving members of the family. Checks can be made out to Wells Fargo, c/o Mercedes Veloz, Rise Above Foundation, Account #7268889551.
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