Defendant Bernard Jimmerson also charged with use of a firearm
OAKLAND, CA —Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Y. Price announces that the District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against an Oakland man who fired his assault rifle into the street, killing 21-year-old Marie Villa Bedford, who was just driving by.
On Saturday, April 29, 2023 at approximately 2:20 a.m., OPD responded to the area of the 9000 block of MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland based on three separate ShotSpotter activations. There, they found Ms. Bedford suffering from a gunshot wound to her head.
“My condolences go out to Ms. Bedford’s family and we offer our heartfelt sympathy. Her murder is heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable,” said DA Price.
The defendant, Bernard Tracy Jimmerson, an Oakland resident and the father of two young children, told police he was frustrated by the noise of cars racing up and down his street in the middle of the night. He went outside with his gun and shot at passing cars, hitting and killing Ms. Bedford. Ms. Bedford was an innocent victim, who happened to be in the area. A stray bullet hit her as she was trying to flee from the gunfire.
DA Price commends the quick response and thorough investigatory action of the Oakland Police Department which led to Mr. Jimmerson’s identification and arrest. “The actions of the Oakland Police Department on Saturday night should reassure residents that we can have a prompt response to crime and the valuable investment in the ShotSpotter technology to protect public safety. OPD’s prompt response may well have prevented more people from being injured or killed,” said DA Price.
Mr. Jimmerson is charged with second degree murder; shooting at an occupied motor vehicle; possession of an assault rifle; possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon; and a gun enhancement under Penal Code Section 12022.5. If convicted, Mr. Jimmerson faces 27 years to life in prison.
“There are too many guns in this community. And there are too many people who are too quick to use a gun, believing they have a right to use a gun when they do not. It needs to stop. And when someone takes a life under these circumstances we will hold them accountable,” said DA Price.
Mr. Jimmerson was expected to be arraigned Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
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Contact: Public Information Officer Angela Ruggiero angela.ruggiero@acgov.org // (510) 919-0081