Marcel Alley Jr., a 17-year-old senior at Oakland Unity High School, was shot and killed on May 16, 2021, in the 2100 block of East 26th Street near Highland Avenue, next to Morgan Plaza Park. The shooting happened about 5:53 p.m.; Marcel died at the scene. Another 17-year-old, Isaac Mitchell, was also shot in the same incident and later died at a hospital. The two teenagers were reportedly acquainted, but why Marcel was in that neighborhood that evening has not been established.

Police detained a man after the shooting but released him pending further investigation; no arrests were announced immediately and no motive was disclosed. Oakland Unity High School started a GoFundMe for Marcel’s family, describing his kindness, sense of humor, and academic aspirations; the campaign raised over $11,000. Does anyone who knew Marcel or saw activity in the East 26th Street area that evening have information to share?