Oakland, California – Two men have been formally charged in connection with a deadly early-morning shooting inside a neighborhood market in East Oakland that left three people dead, including two brothers, just days into the new year. Prosecutors say the January 3 attack played a role in a troubling spike in homicides at the start of 2026.
Incident Overview
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that Darrell Tatmon, 40, and Angelo Lemelle Pharr, 37, are facing multiple felony charges tied to the triple shooting that occurred inside a small market on International Boulevard.
Authorities described the attack as a targeted and violent incident that shocked residents in the surrounding East Oakland neighborhood, where late-night businesses often serve as community gathering spots.
Timeline of Events
The shooting happened at approximately 3 a.m. on January 3 inside a market located in the 8400 block of International Boulevard.
According to investigators, two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third victim was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The incident occurred within the first 72 hours of the new year, bringing Oakland’s homicide count to five deaths in the first three days of 2026.
Police responded quickly, secured the scene, and began a homicide investigation that ultimately led to the filing of charges this week.
Charges Filed Against the Suspects
Prosecutors say Darrell Tatmon faces the most serious accusations. He has been charged with:
- Three counts of murder
- One count of possession of a firearm by a felon
- One count of felony possession of ammunition
In addition, prosecutors filed multiple sentencing enhancements, alleging that Tatmon:
- Caused multiple murders
- Used a firearm during the crimes
- Committed the offenses while out on bail or released on his own recognizance in two separate felony cases
If convicted on all counts, Tatmon could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Angelo Lemelle Pharr is charged with:
- Assault with a semiautomatic firearm
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
Prosecutors also allege that Pharr has prior convictions qualifying as strikes under California’s three-strikes law and that he was out of custody on bail or released on his own recognizance in a separate felony case at the time of the shooting. If convicted of all charges, Pharr could face 25 years to life in state prison.
Statement From the District Attorney
District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson addressed the gravity of the case in a public statement, emphasizing the broader impact on the community.
“The gunning down of three innocent men — including two brothers — at a neighborhood grocery store sent a shock wave that was felt through our community,” Jones Dickson said.
Her office noted that the filing of enhanced charges reflects both the severity of the crime and the defendants’ alleged criminal histories.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Court records show that Pharr was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, where formal charges would be read and bail considerations addressed.
Tatmon is scheduled for a plea hearing Friday at the same courthouse. Both cases are expected to proceed through preliminary hearings in the coming weeks as prosecutors present evidence supporting the charges.
Further details about surveillance footage, witness statements, or potential motives have not yet been released publicly.
Community Impact and Public Safety Context
The shooting has intensified concerns among East Oakland residents about late-night violence, particularly in and around small businesses that remain open overnight. Community leaders have renewed calls for increased patrols, improved lighting, and collaboration between store owners and law enforcement to prevent similar incidents.
Oakland officials have acknowledged that the early days of 2026 reflected a troubling start in terms of violent crime, though they emphasize that homicide trends can fluctuate significantly throughout the year.
Conclusion
The charges against Darrell Tatmon and Angelo Lemelle Pharr mark a major step in the legal response to one of Oakland’s deadliest incidents of the year so far. As court proceedings begin, families of the victims and community members continue to seek accountability and long-term solutions to prevent further violence.
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