Oakland, California – Charges of murder and attempted murder have been filed against two 18-year-olds in connection with a fatal shooting outside a local fast-food restaurant. According to court records, Jamal Watts of Oakland and Juliese Lawson of Pacheco are accused of killing 28-year-old Kenyetta Chapman from Brentwood and attempting to murder a 19-year-old woman who managed to escape despite sustaining injuries.
The tragic incident occurred on January 21, when Chapman and the young woman were sleeping in a car outside the restaurant on East 24th Street in Oakland. A man approached, knocked on the window, then opened fire on them. While Chapman lost his life, the woman was able to flee and evade further harm by hopping over a fence.
Authorities have identified Lawson as the alleged shooter, stating that he was handed a shotgun by Watts, who is currently in custody at Santa Rita Jail awaiting an arraignment in mid-April. Law enforcement has labeled Lawson as a fugitive as they continue their search for him.
In a separate incident nine days after the shooting, Watts was questioned by Oakland police in connection with an armed robbery. Astonishingly, the victim of the robbery was saved by gardening clippers in his shirt pocket that blocked a bullet aimed at his chest. Despite being questioned, Watts was not immediately arrested following the incident.
Friends and family gathered in February for Chapman’s funeral, painting a picture of him as a dedicated family man who worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones. Described as sweet, intelligent, caring, and handsome, Chapman’s untimely death has left a void in the community, prompting calls for justice for his senseless killing.