Murder Victim Identified in Tragic Oakland Shooting That Left Two Others Critically Injured
OAKLAND, Calif. — A cloud of sorrow hangs heavy over the city of Oakland as authorities have identified the young victim killed in a tragic and violent shooting that erupted in the early morning hours of June 25. The Alameda County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that 17-year-old Lazarvis Brown was the individual fatally shot in the incident that left two others fighting for their lives.
The shooting occurred just after midnight in the 2500 block of 46th Avenue, a typically quiet residential area that was shaken by the sudden and terrifying sound of gunfire. According to police, multiple 911 calls reported a barrage of shots, prompting an urgent response from emergency services.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered three gunshot victims lying in the street and on nearby sidewalks. Brown, gravely wounded, was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by paramedics. Two other individuals, whose names have not been released, were rushed to a nearby hospital where they remain in critical condition.
As news of Brown’s death spread through the community, it was met with anguish and disbelief. Friends, classmates, and neighbors have described him as a bright, respectful teenager with dreams of building a future in music and technology. A student at a local high school, Lazarvis was known for his easygoing personality, love for basketball, and fierce loyalty to his friends and family.
“He had such a big heart,” said Monique Carter, a family friend and community organizer. “He was only 17. He should have been planning for senior year, looking at colleges, or figuring out what he wanted to do next — not being buried.”
While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, investigators believe it may have been a targeted attack. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for witnesses, though as of Friday, no arrests have been made.
The Oakland Police Department is asking the public to come forward with any information that might assist the investigation. “We’re calling on our community to help us bring justice to Lazarvis and his family,” said OPD spokesperson Kim Armstead. “This violence didn’t just affect the victims — it’s tearing at the heart of this entire city.”
In the days following the shooting, a growing memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten messages has formed near the site of the incident. Family members, classmates, and community activists gathered for a candlelight vigil, mourning the life lost and praying for the two survivors still clinging to life.
Brown’s mother, LaToya Brown, gave a tearful statement to reporters, saying, “My son was everything to me. He had dreams. He had hope. And now he’s gone because of a bullet. We need this violence to stop. No more mothers should have to feel this pain.”
The tragic shooting marks yet another painful chapter in a year that has already seen a troubling rise in youth gun violence in the Bay Area. Community leaders and activists are again calling for greater investment in youth programs, conflict resolution initiatives, and stronger policing efforts aimed at reducing gun violence.
As Oakland mourns the loss of a promising young life, the name Lazarvis Brown now joins far too many others — reminders of a crisis that continues to cut down futures before they’ve had a chance to fully bloom. His death has left a void that will be felt in every hallway he once walked, on every basketball court he ever played, and in every heart that had the privilege to know him.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Division at (510) 238-3821 or Crime Stoppers at (510) 777-8572.
