Police in Oakland said a stray bullet struck and killed a California mother of two Friday night while she was lying on the couch inside her home.
Authorities said the 42-year-old woman, whose identity hasn’t been made public, was lying on the couch in her house around 9:40 p.m. Friday when a shooting erupted a block away at 38th Avenue and Masterson Street.
Her husband and children were all home when at least one stray bullet entered the house and struck the woman.
She was taken to the hospital, where she died a short time later.
No one else was injured inside the home. No other victims were hurt in the shooting either, although multiple cars were damaged.
Police haven’t announced any arrests or persons of interest in the shooting.
“I am absolutely horrified to hear of the senseless act of violence that occurred in the Laurel District last night. A mother of two young children was killed in her own home, struck by a stray bullet while asleep,” Oakland Councilwoman Janani Ramachandran said in a statement. “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 utmost urgency.”
A witness of the shooting told the East Bay Times that about 20 young men were gathered along Masterson Street shortly before gunfire was directed at the group.
According to the most recent police data published Sept. 11, Oakland has recorded 84 homicides so far this year — just one less than last year’s 85 through that same point in time.
Violent crime is up 19% year-over-year, with increases in robberies (30%), rapes (2%) and weapon assaults (8%).
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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