Oakland neighbors demand safety, accountability after stray bullet kills mother of 2
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- In the East Bay, there's growing outrage in Oakland about a rise in gun violence after a 42-year-old mother of two was killed by a stray bullet while sleeping in her own home.
It happened Friday night. Police say it's Oakland's 89th homicide this year and neighbors are demanding action and safer streets now.
"I heard 10-to-11 shots. I was so scared," said Oakland neighbor, Monica.
Monica heard the Friday night gunfire near 39th Avenue and Masterson Street Oakland's Laurel District.
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Police say a stray bullet killed a wife and mother a block away, while she was sleeping on the second floor her own home.
Monica said the family once owned a neighborhood laundromat.
"She was so nice, so friendly, so friendly," Monica said.
Her husband and two children in the house were not hurt.
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Investigators say no other victims were found, but multiple parked cars were hit.
Friends, neighbors and strangers have been leaving flowers at the home. One woman did not want go on camera and declined to give her name.
"I have no clue who this family is. I just know they're missing a mother. It's pathetic and disgusting," she said.
Investigators say there was a dispute on the street, group of people were gathered on Masterson when shots were fired. No arrests have been made. Neighbors have complained about groups congregating in the past.
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"The entire neighborhood is upset about it for this incident. It's escalating every day," said one unidentified neighbor.
"It's tragic that you can be inside the comfort of your own home with your kids, and be attacked by a random senseless act of violence," said Oakland City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran.
Ramachandran says the killing is yet another call to action to address rising gun violence in Oakland.
"I have received word from OPD leadership we will have more patrol presence in this area -- especially now more than ever -- as well as a walking officer that's been assigned to this Laurel business corridor," Ramachandran said.
INTERACTIVE: Take a look at the ABC7 Neighborhood Safety Tracker
This comes after Ramachandran released a statement Saturday, saying in part: "I am absolutely horrified to hear of the senseless act of violence that occurred in the Laurel last night...I urge my fellow City of Oakland colleagues to remember last night's victim and the countless others who have lost their lives this year -- and treat the crisis on our hands with upmost urgency."
The owner of a donut shop on MacArthur Boulevard says thieves have struck their storefront too many times to count.
"They broke my window almost every month. They pulled out my security gate," said the owner. "I called the police but they never showed -- at least five to six hours later."
"We deserve action and accountability. We deserve safety. We pay for it in every way. Nowhere is safe," said a neighbor.
The name of the victim has not been released. Her family is requesting privacy.
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