Mike Dream Francisco was a 30-year-old graffiti artist from Oakland, California, who was murdered on February 17, 2000. Known for vibrant, politically charged murals addressing issues like police brutality and youth-targeted tobacco marketing, he left behind a one-year-old son and a grieving arts community.

On the night he died Francisco had dropped a friend at the City Center–12th Street BART station and then went to a liquor store in West Oakland. Two men at the store noticed his gold chains and bracelet, followed him, entered his friend’s house through an open back door and demanded his wallet, car keys and jewelry. During that robbery Francisco was fatally shot.

The investigation reported that the suspects initially evaded capture; the case later saw some developments but remained a difficult, painful matter for the community. The city later recognized February 17 as Dream Day, and peers organized memorials and events honoring his work. If anyone knew Mike Dream Francisco or has information about the circumstances that night, please share what is known.