Guilty Verdict in Oakland: Man’s Six-Week Rampage Ends in Teen’s Murder and Grave Desecration

Oakland, CA — A California man was convicted recently for the murder of a 17-year-old during a six-week spree of violent crimes spanning the end of 2019 to early 2020. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office reported that 23-year-old Jacobi Gaines has been found guilty of first-degree murder and multiple other charges including carjacking, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.

The string of crimes carried out by Gaines reportedly began on December 2, 2019, escalating to the fatal shooting of Hasan Humphries on January 13, 2020. Gaines was 18 at the time and involved in what was described as a gang-related rivalry among Oakland residents. The rivalry even played out on social media where Gaines posted aggressive content including a video desecrating the grave of one of Humphries’ deceased friends.

During the trial, evidence showed Gaines’s increasing criminal behavior, culminating in the shooting of an unarmed Humphries, who was struck by two bullets. Prosecutors highlighted that Gaines was linked to the scene of the crime through geo-location data from his cellphone at the time Humphries was killed.

Further evidence introduced at the trial included Gaines fleeing the murder scene in a stolen Audi A4 Quattro with distinctive customizations, supporting the charges of vehicle theft among other offenses.

Moreover, prosecutors pointed to a disturbing video posted on Instagram by Gaines, where he was seen urinating on the grave of one of Humphries’ friends. This act was interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or provoke those mourning the deceased, providing additional insight into Gaines’s motives and mental state during his crime spree.

The conviction was seen as a significant outcome by local authorities. “This verdict removes a dangerous individual from our community,” stated Chief Assistant District Attorney Royl Roberts. He emphasized the relief of having Gaines held accountable for his actions which have had a profound impact on the local community.

Gaines now faces a potential life sentence in state prison. His sentencing is scheduled for February 20, marking an end to a case that has captured local attention due to its brutality and the young age of both the perpetrator and victim at the time of the crime. This sentencing will potentially bring closure to a community that has been on edge since the escalation of these violent incidents.