Elijah Antonio Allen Jr. was an 18-year-old Oakland resident who was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting on March 3, 2013, at the intersection of 28th and Myrtle streets in West Oakland. The shooting happened in broad daylight and deeply affected the community and his family.

The Oakland Police Department opened an investigation that led to charges against two men, Charles Prince and Lilron Jones. Prosecutors said Jones was the shooter and Prince was the driver, relying on witness testimony and informant statements. In November 2014, charges against Prince were dismissed by a judge who found the evidence against him insufficient and heavily dependent on unreliable witnesses; Prince was released. The prosecution’s case against Lilron Jones continued, with debate during proceedings over witness credibility and the strength of the evidence.

Elijah’s death underscored concerns about gun violence in Oakland and left questions for the community about accountability and safety. If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Elijah, please come forward.