Robert Lee Saffold Jr., 34, was shot dead in Hayward, California, on the morning of June 13, 2022. Family described him as a loving, giving young man known to some as Rob — a singer, artist and a funny person who called to sing or check in and would help anyone he could. He was found unresponsive in the backyard of a home on the 27000 block of Whitman Street and was pronounced dead at the scene after officers responded around 8:30 a.m. to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. The shooting prompted a temporary lockdown at nearby Tennyson High School until police deemed there was no further threat.

The resident, 38-year-old Steven Velasquez, was arrested at the scene. Initial statements to investigators included several conflicting accounts; a home security camera captured Saffold and Velasquez arguing, Velasquez lifting a handgun and firing, then attempting to place the gun in Saffold’s hand and removing jewelry. Velasquez admitted to the shooting and was charged with murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm; his defense later argued self-defense.

If anyone knew Robert, his routines, or was in the Whitman Street area that morning, please share what you remember.