Deacon of True Faith Baptist Church in Oakland shot, killed in Berkeley

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- There are developments in a murder case involving a 24-year-old deacon of the True Faith Baptist Church in Oakland. He was shot and killed Tuesday night in Berkeley and the alleged shooter was arrested. But here's what's even more troubling -- Berkeley police say this is the second shooting in the same location by the same gunman.

Tuesday night's shooting happened at Russell and California streets in Berkeley not far from the police department. Officials say 15 months ago another two people were shot by 24-year-old Anthony Durant at the same location.

Durant was arrested at the time, and Berkeley police now say he is the same person responsible for this latest shooting.

Christian Sheppard was shot Tuesday night and died on his way to the hospital. He is a deacon and a member of True Faith Baptist Church in Oakland. He leaves a wife and two children behind.

Police say the victim and the suspect knew each other.

"When officers arrived they discovered a 24-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds," said Officer Byron White. "We immediately searched the area for the suspect. A few hours later we located him at the 1600 block of Julia Street."

Police say neighbors were instrumental in helping them find Durant. He was found not far from where the shooting took place, hiding behind a building.

ABC7 News asked police why he was on the streets after the arrest and police directed us to the district attorney's office who said they are investigating the matter.