The couple were walking near Adeline and Emerson streets at around 3:40 a.m. when they were approached by two male suspects who tried to rob them, Berkeley police spokeswoman Sgt. Mary Kusmiss said.
During the crime, one of the suspects shot the victim and punched the victim's fianci. The woman suffered minor injuries.
The victim, who had reportedly moved to Berkeley in February, was taken to a trauma center by fire department paramedics and was pronounced dead.
The suspects got into a two-tone older model sport utility vehicle and drove away, traveling west on Ashby Avenue.
Police did not release the victim's name pending notification of his family and confirmation of his identity by the Alameda County coroner's bureau.
The Berkeley Police Department is urging anyone who might have knowledge of the homicide or the suspects to contact the police homicide unit at (510) 981-5741 or the 24-hour police non-emergency number (510) 981-5900. Calls can be made anonymously at (800) 222-TIPS.