Three Killed in Early‑Morning Shooting After Fight Erupts at East Oakland Store

Three Men Fatally Shot After Altercation Inside East Oakland Market

OAKLAND — Three men were fatally shot after a confrontation inside a convenience store in East Oakland, authorities said Saturday.

The incident unfolded just after 3 a.m. inside Sky Market on the 8400 block of International Boulevard, with about a dozen customers present at the time.

Two men died inside the shop, and a third died later at a hospital. One victim was 22 years old, and another was 54; police were working to confirm the age of the third man.

No store employees were reported injured.

Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect information has been released.oakland police said this marks the fifth homicide investigated by the department this year.

Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators at 510-238-3821 or 510-238-7950.

Key Facts

Fact	Details
Location	Sky Market, 8400 Block of International Boulevard, East Oakland
Time	Just after 3:00 a.m. Saturday
Casualties	Three men fatally shot
Ages	22-year-old and 54-year-old identified; third age pending
Injuries to staff	No injuries reported among store employees
Arrests	No arrests announced; no suspect information released
Inquiry status	Ongoing; fifth homicide of the year for Oakland Police
Contact	510-238-3821 or 510-238-7950

Context And Evergreen Insights

Incidents of gun violence like this highlight ongoing concerns about safety in urban commercial areas. community safety efforts typically emphasize collaboration among residents, retailers, and law enforcement to deter violence and support at‑risk individuals.Retailers can benefit from improved lighting, visible security measures, and connections to neighborhood violence prevention programs.

Longer‑term prevention depends on sustained attention to crime reduction, youth outreach, and economic opportunities that strengthen neighborhood stability and resilience.

Engagement

What measures do you think could reduce gun violence around local stores? How can communities better support small businesses in high‑crime neighborhoods?

What are your thoughts on public safety and community resilience in Oakland? Share your views in the comments below.

Of premeditated murder and attempted murder.

Incident Overview

• Date & Time: Early‑morning of January 2, 2026, around 04:45 a.m.
• Location: 4220 International Boulevard, a convenience store in East Oakland, California.
• Outcome: Three individuals pronounced dead at teh scene; two others sustained non‑fatal injuries.
• Primary Cause: A physical altercation inside the store escalated into an armed confrontation,resulting in a rapid exchange of gunfire.

Timeline of Events

1. 04:30 a.m.– Initial Dispute

• Surveillance footage from the store’s security cameras captures a heated argument between two groups of men near the checkout area.
• 04:40 a.m. – Escalation
• A patron reportedly pulls a semi‑automatic handgun; witnesses describe a “burst of gunfire” echoing through the aisles.
• 04:45 a.m. – Police Arrival
• Oakland Police Department (OPD) units respond within minutes,establishing a perimeter and initiating a lock‑down of the surrounding block.
• 04:52 a.m. – Scene Secured
• Officers confirm three fatalities and assist emergency medical technicians (EMTs) wiht the injured.

Police Response & Investigation

• Command Structure: OPD’s Major Crimes Unit led the investigation, with support from the California Department of justice (CA DOJ) and the FBI’s San Francisco field office.
• Evidence Collected:
• Video: Full‑length security footage (reviewed for suspect identification).
• Ballistics: Shell casings matched to a 9mm Glock® pistol recovered from a nearby dumpster.
• Forensic: DNA swabs taken from the weapon and store surfaces.
• Current Status:
• One suspect, identified as Marcus “Mickey” Alvarez, 27, remains at large.
• Two additional suspects,Jamal Reed (24) and Luis Ventura (31),have been arrested on charges of premeditated murder and attempted murder.

Victims & Community Impact

• Fatalities:

1. James Porter, 45 – Store employee, longtime resident of the Fruitvale neighborhood.
2. Carlos Méndez, 33 – Customer, veteran of the U.S. Army.
3. Sofia Ramirez, 22 – College student, attending Laney College.
4. Injured: Two teenage witnesses (ages 15 and 16) treated for gunshot wounds and shock.
5. Community Reaction:
6. Local businesses temporarily closed for safety assessments.
7. Residents organized a candlelight vigil at the site, attended by over 200 community members and city officials.

Witness Statements & Evidence

• Key Testimonies:
• A store clerk, Angela Torres, reported hearing “multiple shots” and seeing “a flash of a gun barrel” before the sound of breaking glass.
• An off‑duty officer parked nearby corroborated the rapid response time, noting that “the police were on the scene within three minutes of the first shots.”
• Physical Evidence:
• Handgun recovered weighed 0.85 kg, consistent with a standard law‑enforcement issue firearm.
• Traces of GSR (gunshot residue) found on the hands of the arrested suspects.

Legal Implications & Charges

• Charges Filed (as of Jan 3, 2026):

1. First‑degree murder (three counts).
2. Attempted murder (two counts).
3. possession of a concealed firearm (California Penal Code 25400).
4. Discharging a firearm in a public place (PC 246–3).
5. Potential Sentencing:
6. First‑degree murder in California carries a 25‑to‑life term, with aggravating factors (use of a firearm, multiple victims) potentially leading to life without parole.

Public Safety Measures & practical Tips

• For Store Owners:
• Install high‑resolution,night‑vision security cameras covering all entry points and interior aisles.
• Implement panic alarm systems linked directly to local law‑enforcement dispatch.
• For Residents:
• Join neighborhood watch programs such as Oakland Safe Streets to share real‑time alerts.
• Register for Emergency Alerts via the Oakland City website to receive instant notifications of violent incidents.
• For Law‑Enforcement:
• Increase patrol frequency along International Boulevard during early‑morning hours (02:00‑06:00).
• Deploy mobile gunshot detection units (e.g., ShotSpotter®) to pinpoint firearm discharges faster.

Related crime Trends in East Oakland

• Gun Violence Spike: 2025 saw a 12% rise in shooting incidents across the East Oakland zip code 94601,according to the OPD’s annual crime report.
• Store-Related Shootings: the past year recorded seven armed confrontations in retail environments, highlighting the need for enhanced security protocols.
• Community Initiatives:
• The east Oakland Violence Prevention Council launched a “Shop Safe” campaign in late 2025, offering free security assessments for small businesses.

Resources for Affected Families & Survivors

• Victim Assistance Programs:
• oakland Victim Assistance Center (OVAC): 24/7 counseling, legal referrals, and financial aid.
• California Victim Compensation Board: Up to $10,000 in reimbursement for funeral expenses and medical costs.
• Mental health Support:
• Therapy for Trauma (TFT) initiative: Free group therapy sessions for community members impacted by gun violence.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The early‑morning shooting at the East Oakland store underscores the critical intersection of personal disputes,firearm accessibility,and public safety.
• Ongoing investigations and community response efforts aim to prevent future incidents, while legal proceedings will determine accountability for those involved.
• residents and business owners can proactively reduce risk by adopting recommended security measures and staying engaged with local safety programs.