Oakland, California – A 25-year-old man was fatally shot during an alleged robbery setup in East Oakland, a killing that investigators say mirrors the violent death of his father more than two decades earlier. Authorities believe the incident stemmed from a planned robbery disguised as a drug deal and are continuing to investigate who fired the fatal shot.
Incident Overview
Police identified the victim as Stacy Tidwell IV, who was shot at around 10 p.m. on December 29, 2025, near Fremont High in East Oakland. Investigators say Tidwell and another man were lured to the area to meet a group that included masked suspects, only to be ambushed and robbed. Tidwell was struck by gunfire and later died at a hospital after his companion rushed him for emergency care.
The location of the shooting was roughly eight miles from where Tidwell’s father was killed in 2003, underscoring what family members describe as a tragic repetition of violence.
Timeline of Events
According to police, the meeting was arranged earlier in the evening through text messages exchanged between one of the victims and a suspect. When Tidwell and his companion arrived at the agreed-upon location, they encountered multiple masked individuals. During the confrontation, gunfire erupted, and Tidwell was critically wounded.
After the shooting, the second victim drove Tidwell to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers later reviewed electronic communications that, they say, show the meeting was planned under false pretenses.
Details From Police and Charges Filed
Last week, authorities announced the arrest of Marjee “Lil Jae” Martin, 18, in connection with the case. Martin was taken into custody in St. Louis and is currently being extradited to the Bay Area. Prosecutors have charged him with murder and two counts of second-degree robbery.
Police say they are still working to determine who pulled the trigger, but allege that Martin orchestrated the encounter.
“The evidence indicates the meeting was arranged as a robbery from the start,” an investigator said, noting that the purported drug transaction was used to draw the victims to the scene.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victim: Stacy Tidwell IV, 25
- Date and time: December 29, 2025, around 10 p.m.
- Location: Near Fremont High, East Oakland
- Suspect charged: Marjee “Lil Jae” Martin, 18
- Charges: Murder, two counts of second-degree robbery
- Status: Suspect arrested in St. Louis, extradition pending
Prior Shooting and Ongoing Violence
Tidwell had survived a previous shooting just 16 months earlier. In August 2024, he was critically injured near 8th and Center streets in West Oakland when a gunman opened fire on a group of people. Tidwell suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was hospitalized in the ICU.
Court records show that Zaire Campbell was charged with attempted murder in that case. Investigators say Tidwell sustained the most severe injuries among the victims but ultimately recovered.
Family History and Additional Context
The parallels between the two killings have drawn renewed attention to the long-term impact of gun violence on Oakland families. Tidwell’s father, Stacy Tidwell III, was shot multiple times on August 15, 2003, in the 900 block of 55th Street in North Oakland. Public records do not indicate whether an arrest was ever made in that case.
Tidwell IV was later featured as a child in a 2006 education-focused story that described how teachers were making home visits to build stronger relationships with students. The article, published by the San Francisco Chronicle, described photos of his father displayed in the home and noted how his absence still shaped the family years after the killing.
When asked what she hoped for her young son’s future, Tidwell’s mother offered a simple dream.
“That he go to Harvard and get a doctorate,” she said at the time.
A teacher responded warmly:
“Oh honey, I love your dream.”
Conclusion
Investigators say the latest killing highlights the dangers of robbery setups and the persistent cycle of gun violence affecting some Oakland neighborhoods. As the case moves through the courts, authorities continue to search for additional suspects and clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal shot.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact Oakland police. Share your experiences in the comments below.
