OAKLAND, Calif. — A man upset with the noise of cars racing at night in Oakland is facing charges after a woman was killed as he reportedly shot at cars driving by over the weekend.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release that on Saturday just after 2 a.m., Oakland Police Department officers were called to the 9000 block of MacArthur Boulevard about shots fired. Once officers arrived at the scene, they found Marie Villa Bedford, 21, with a gunshot wound to her head.
Bernard Jimmerson, 39, was reportedly firing an assault rifle at cars passing in the area because he was upset with the noise coming from cars racing at night, prosecutors said, according to KNTV. Bedford was driving in the area and tried to escape the gunfire when she was struck.
“My condolences go out to Ms. Bedford’s family and we offer our heartfelt sympathy. Her murder is heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable,” District Attorney Pamela Price said in the news release.
Jimmerson has been charged with second-degree murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, possession of an assault rifle, possession of a gun and ammunition by a felon and a gun enhancement, according to KNTV.
“There are too many guns in this community,” Price said. “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.”
Jimmerson could face up to 27 years to life in prison if convicted, the district attorney’s office said.