Identity of 2-year-old allegedly killed in Oakland, found in rural Napa County revealed, police say

Friday, December 30, 2022

Body of 2-year-old found in Napa Co. identified, Oakland police say

Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong identified the victim whose body was found in Napa County as 2-year-old Ja'mari Madkins.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland police are investigating a homicide after the body of a 2-year-old child was found in rural Napa County.

At a press conference on Thursday, OPD Chief LeRonne Armstrong identified the victim as Ja'mari Madkins, saying that the homicide occurred on Dec. 23 in Oakland.

Armstrong said just before 2:30 a.m. OPD received a tip from the San Pablo Police Department. Officers from OPD's homicide unit immediately responded to take over the investigation.

"Our investigators immediately began follow up on all leads. The investigation eventually led us to Napa County, where our investigators located the body of 2-year-old Ja'mari Madkins," Armstrong said.

Armstrong also confirmed that a person connected to the death was identified and arrested with the help of San Pablo police.

OPD says that the death is still under investigation and is not releasing any other details at this time. However, they confirmed that Madkin's body was found outdoors in Napa County. More information, including cause of death, is expected to be released at a later date.

"This is a tragic case of a 2-year-old child. This should not have happened," said Armstrong, thanking those on the case and encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

"My heart goes out to the family and goes out to the community. We are in contact with the child's family and grandmother. It is a really tragic event for the family as well as our community."

If you have any information, you can contact their Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821 or the TIP LINE at 238-7950.

Stay with ABC7 News for updates on this developing story.