David Robert Willis, 31, was found dead in his West Oakland apartment in the 700 block of 29th Street after a welfare check on May 14, 2019. Officers discovered Willis lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds; the coroner found at least two shots, one to the chest and one to the right side of his forehead.

Investigators arrested 35-year-old Michael Stafford, a former roommate, after inconsistencies between his account and the physical evidence. Authorities say the confrontation occurred the evening of May 12, 2019, following an argument. Stafford told police Willis had confronted him with a knife and that a struggle over a gun ensued; he claimed Willis fired a warning shot before being shot. Stafford was arrested the morning after the body was found at the hardware store where he worked, charged with murder, and held without bail. Court documents say Stafford attempted to dispose of the gun by throwing it into Lake Chabot but the weapon was not recovered.

Anyone with information about David Willis, his movements in early May 2019, or the relationship between Willis and Stafford is asked to come forward.