Connie M. Sowells III, 27, was shot and killed outside the Bella Ultra Lounge at 11th and Clay streets in downtown Oakland on October 1, 2014. The shooting happened during an altercation described as a robbery attempt at about 1:18 a.m.; Sowells was taken to Highland Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Authorities identified 30-year-old Billy Shaffer Jr. as the suspect. Shaffer, who had a 2010 conviction for possessing an unregistered firearm in Sacramento County, was arrested on October 20, 2014, after a traffic stop and was charged with murder and possession of a firearm as a felon. Prosecutors alleged the shooting occurred during a premeditated robbery attempt; the defense’s account disputed that narrative.

Did anyone who was near Bella Ultra Lounge that night or has information about the altercation come forward?