Laquan Matthews, a 23-year-old resident of Oakland, California, tragically lost his life on December 14, 2020, in a shooting incident in San Leandro. The incident occurred in the 600 block of East 14th Street, near the police headquarters, around 4:50 p.m. Matthews was found by officers suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. This incident marked the sixth homicide in San Leandro for the year 2020.
The shooting, which involved multiple firearms and approximately 30 rounds, also resulted in another person being wounded, though their injuries were not life-threatening.
The investigation into Matthews' death revealed that the shooting was preceded by a confrontation involving rival gangs. Matthews was reportedly robbed of a gold chain, which led to a shootout between his associates and the assailants. Wavonte Oxner, a 28-year-old man from Carmichael, was identified as a suspect in the case. Oxner was charged with murder and robbery in March 2021. He was linked to the crime scene after dropping his car keys during the incident and later returning to retrieve them. Surveillance footage and witness statements further implicated him, showing him wearing a distinctive shirt that matched descriptions from the scene.
Despite the initial charges, Oxner's case took a turn when issues of proof arose regarding his direct involvement as the shooter. In a plea deal, Oxner pleaded no contest to a single robbery charge, and the murder charge was dismissed. He was sentenced to 10 years in state prison, with credit for the time already served. The case highlighted the complexities of gang-related violence and the challenges in securing convictions when multiple parties and firearms are involved. The investigation remains a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against gang violence in urban communities.
