Ernest H. McMurry Jr., 50, was shot and killed on November 21, 2016, in Oakland, California. The shooting took place in the 2300 block of 80th Avenue after a neighborhood dispute over tree trimmings. McMurry had parked in his girlfriend’s driveway next to the property of 64-year-old neighbor Vick Malone; clippings from Malone’s tree fell onto McMurry’s car and a heated argument followed.

Court documents say the confrontation escalated when McMurry allegedly pulled a knife and Malone retrieved a knife as well. The altercation involved McMurry’s uncle and turned physical. Malone then went into his house, got a shotgun, and shot McMurry in the head; McMurry died at the scene. Malone also attempted to shoot McMurry’s uncle but the shotgun malfunctioned. Malone called police and surrendered; he was charged with murder and attempted murder and held without bail. The jury rejected Malone’s self-defense claim and convicted him of first-degree murder and attempted murder, citing that McMurry was shot in the back of the head. Malone was sentenced to 50 years to life with additional firearm penalties.

Did anyone in the neighborhood witness the argument or the moments leading up to the shooting?