Jul 24, 2026 | In the News
July 24, 2026
Today, the Court dismissed the indictment related to the in-custody death of Maurice Monk and the three Alameda County Sheriff Deputies who were charged with Penal Code Section 368. One count of Government Code Section 6200 as to one of the defendants is the only surviving count.
My thoughts, and the thoughts of the office are with Maurice Monk’s family, friends, and loved ones. Court proceedings cannot erase the pain or restore what has been taken away from the family, and we remember their loss.
This case was originally charged on November 14, 2024, with 11 individuals as defendants with varying felony counts, including violations of Penal Code Section 368 under the theory that a prisoner in a county jail is considered a dependent adult. Upon taking office, we thoroughly and comprehensively reviewed the facts and legal issues of this case and determined there was insufficient evidence against eight of the previously charged defendants, but that there was sufficient evidence to proceed against three Sheriff Deputies. We presented these three defendants and the facts surrounding their involvement to the Criminal Grand Jury in November of 2025, recognizing the novel legal theory of criminal culpability and the lack of a legal precedent. The Criminal Grand Jury determined the allegations to be true and issued an indictment. Subsequently, the defense filed a legal challenge to that indictment. Today, the court dismissed all the charges related to the abuse of a dependent adult as to the three Sheriff Deputies.
Although disappointing, we respect the rule of law and the Court’s decision.
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damedia@acgov.org
Jul 20, 2026 | In the News
July 20, 2026
Oakland, CA — Today, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that felony charges have been filed against Michael Savage in connection with two armed robberies at the same Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Oakland, occurring just six days apart.
According to the charges, the first robbery occurred on July 9, 2026, at approximately 9:20 a.m. at the Wells Fargo branch at 901 Franklin Street. The second robbery occurred on July 15, 2026, at approximately 9:16 a.m. at the same branch.
“These were brazen robberies that terrorized bank employees and customers, and left innocent people in fear for their lives,” said District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Mr. Savage with multiple felony offenses stemming from the two incidents, including robbery and false imprisonment. The complaint also alleges multiple prior violent, strike convictions as enhancements.
Michael Savage is scheduled to be arraigned on July 21, 2026, in Department 112 of the Alameda County Superior Court, Willey W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org
Jul 6, 2026 | In the News
Defendant has been charged with Attempted Murder
Oakland, CA – July 6, 2026, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced today that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Dameon Denzel Clay with attempted murder in connection with an alleged intentional vehicle attack that seriously injured several pedestrians following an Oakland First Friday event on May 2, 2026.
“This case involves an intentional act of extreme violence in which the defendant drove his car onto a sidewalk, striking multiple victims and causing serious injuries,” said District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson.
According to the investigation, at approximately 1:37 a.m. on May 2, 2026, Oakland police received a series of emergency calls reporting that a vehicle had driven onto the sidewalk in the 500 block of 18th Street and struck several pedestrians. The victims sustained serious injuries.
The criminal complaint filed by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office alleges that Dameon Clay intentionally drove his vehicle onto the sidewalk, accelerated toward a crowd of pedestrians, struck approximately eight people, and then crashed into a gate. The defendant allegedly fled the scene on foot, leaving the vehicle behind.
The defendant is scheduled to appear on July 7, 2026, for arraignment in Department 112 of the Alameda County Superior Court.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org
Jul 6, 2026 | In the News
Charges Include a Gun Sentencing Enhancement
July 6, 2026
Oakland, CA —Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Leonard Evans (43) with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Oakland on June 14, 2026.
Mr. Evans has been charged with one count of Murder (Penal Code section 187), and the complaint alleges the use of a firearm, causing death (Penal Code section 12022.53).
“Gun violence continues to devastate families and neighborhoods throughout our county,” said District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson. “Our office is committed to holding those responsible for acts of lethal violence fully accountable under the law.”
On June 14, 2026, at approximately 11:32 a.m., Oakland Police officers responded to the 1300 block of Seminary Avenue following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located the victim in the driver’s seat of a Tesla suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased by emergency medical personnel at the scene.
The investigation, which included the review of surveillance video, witness interviews, and electronic evidence, led investigators to identify Leonard Evans as the suspect in the homicide. He was located on July 1, 2026, and arrested in the City of Stockton on the murder warrant.
Leonard Evans is scheduled to be arraigned today at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org
Jun 30, 2026 | In the News
Defendant was Convicted of Second-Degree Murder, Torture, Domestic Violence, and Causing Great Bodily Injury
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oakland, Calif. — June 30, 2026 — Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced today that a jury has found Victor Frieson guilty of Second Degree Murder, Torture, and Corporal Injury to a Spouse with Great Bodily Injury for the brutal killing of 25-year-old Zoe Nika Reidy Watts in Oakland on March 1, 2024.
The evidence presented at trial established that Zoe and the defendant had been involved in an on-again, off-again dating relationship for less than one year. During that time, there were two reported domestic violence incidents—one in San Francisco and one in Oakland.
On March 1, 2024, the defendant assaulted Zoe inside his Oakland apartment, inflicting catastrophic injuries that resulted in her death.
“Today’s verdict delivers justice for Zoe, whose life was taken in an act of extraordinary violence. She was a talented artist, a dedicated student, and a young woman whose future was filled with promise. While no verdict can restore what her family, friends, and the Bay Area artistic community have lost, we hope today’s decision provides a measure of accountability and peace,” said Ursula Jones Dickson.
Sentencing will be on September 17, 2026, in Department 10 of the Alameda County Superior Court at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org
