Essien Edokpayi was 17 when he was fatally shot on December 24, 2018, in the 300 block of Bel Air Drive in Vacaville, California. The shooting occurred shortly after midnight during an altercation in which Essien was with a group of four or five people who approached 39-year-old Daignet Montoya, who was sitting in his vehicle. After an exchange of words, Montoya went back to his apartment and returned with a firearm. A bottle was thrown in his direction, and Montoya fired one shot that struck Essien in the chest. Essien was taken to Kaiser Hospital in Vacaville, where he was pronounced dead.

Montoya was arrested and charged with murder and held in Solano County Jail on suspicion of murder. Essien’s family described him as adopted at 18 months, living with learning disabilities and other challenges, yet determined and optimistic; he enjoyed anime and played football, basketball, soccer and track. The community held a vigil attended by family, friends and the mayor, and the family called for better support for at-risk youth.

Does anyone have information about the events on Bel Air Drive that night or knew Essien and can help clarify what happened?