Suspects identified and charged in triple killing outside East Oakland’s Sky Market on International Boulevard
Three men killed in early-morning shooting outside a corner store
Two men have been identified and charged in connection with a triple killing outside Sky Market in East Oakland, a case that left three people dead in the first weekend of 2026 and intensified scrutiny of violence around neighborhood commercial corridors.
The shooting occurred around 3 a.m. on January 3, 2026, outside the market near the intersection of 85th Avenue and International Boulevard. Police responding to reports of gunfire found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Two were pronounced dead at the scene and a third died later at a hospital.
Who was charged, and what prosecutors allege
Alameda County prosecutors have charged Darrell Tatmon, 40, with three counts of murder in connection with the killings. He also faces multiple firearm-related allegations and a special circumstance allegation involving multiple murders, a charge that can carry life in prison without the possibility of parole if proven in court.
Prosecutors have also charged Angelo Lemelle Pharr, 37, with assault with a semiautomatic firearm and illegal firearm possession. The charging documents describe Pharr as involved in the confrontation that preceded the fatal gunfire, though he is not charged with murder in the current filing.
Defendant: Darrell Tatmon, 40 — charged with three counts of murder and related firearm allegations.
Defendant: Angelo Lemelle Pharr, 37 — charged with assault with a semiautomatic firearm and illegal gun possession.
Victims identified as two brothers and a bystander
Authorities have identified the victims as Luis Valdez-Gomez and Kevin Andrew Valdez-Gomez, who were brothers, and Miguel Ramirez, 54. Investigators have described Ramirez as a customer who was not involved in the dispute and was struck amid the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators tie the confrontation to an alleged marijuana deal
Court records and investigative summaries describe the shooting as emerging from a failed marijuana transaction outside the market. The case file outlines a rapidly escalating confrontation that moved from a physical altercation to gunfire, with surveillance footage cited as a key piece of evidence in the timeline and identification of participants.
Both cases remain pending in court, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Context: early 2026 violence followed a year of lower homicide totals
The Sky Market shooting came as Oakland entered 2026 after reporting a significant drop in homicides during 2025 compared with prior years, while also experiencing multiple killings in the first days of the new year. City leaders have repeatedly said the reduction in violence is fragile, and that enforcement, prevention, and community-based interventions remain central to the city’s public-safety strategy.
The investigation into the Sky Market killings is ongoing, and additional charges or defendants remain possible as evidence is reviewed and court proceedings continue.