Dirk Tillotson, 52, was fatally shot during a home invasion robbery at his Oakland residence on October 1, 2021. Tillotson, a longtime education advocate who founded the nonprofit Great School Voices and helped establish one of Oakland’s early charter schools, was confronted by an intruder after hearing a noise late at night. His wife, Amina, was also shot and survived; she was reported in stable condition.

Oakland police opened an investigation and said the couple or their home may have been specifically targeted; Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong said several motives were under consideration, though no specifics were released. The community has organized fundraisers to support the family and colleagues remember Tillotson for his commitment to educational equity and digital inclusion efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If anyone in Oakland’s Maxwell Park area heard or saw anything the night of October 1, 2021, please contact the Oakland Police Department with information.