Charles Billings, 45, was shot and killed on July 26, 2019, in Oakland, California. He was sitting inside his van parked along Bancroft Avenue around 3 a.m. when the attack occurred. Initial reports said circumstances were unclear and no immediate arrests or motives had been identified; the Oakland Police Department and Crime Stoppers of Oakland offered a reward for information leading to arrests.

Investigators later tied the killing to a heroin deal. Prosecutors say Damone Haynes, 47, and two other men arranged to buy heroin from Billings. One of the men got into Billings’ van and drove off while Haynes and another accomplice followed in a separate vehicle. Haynes then shot Billings twice, after which Billings fell from the van; Haynes shot him five more times while he lay on the street, killing him. Haynes was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 50 years to life. Anthony Rhodes, 46, was tried with Haynes and was acquitted of murder, carjacking, and related charges. A co-defendant, Terrell Martinez, pleaded no contest to being an accessory and was awaiting sentencing.

If anyone has information about what happened that night or knew Charles, please share what you can.