Joseph Cornelison was shot and killed on the night of May 14, 2022, on the 400 block of West A Street in Hayward, California. Police reports say Cornelison became involved in a physical altercation with 23-year-old Omar Garrett of Oakland; witnesses told officers Cornelison was unarmed during the confrontation.

Garrett, a licensed-weapon security guard, called 911 immediately after the shooting and was arrested at the scene. He was charged with murder and held in Santa Rita Jail on a no-bail hold. Garrett’s lawyer later argued his client fired after being ambushed, knocked to the ground and repeatedly struck, and that the shooting was an act of self-defense.

Key unanswered questions include the full content of witness statements and any video evidence referenced in court papers. If anyone saw the incident or has information about what led to the altercation, please share what is known with investigators.