Edward Williams, 47, was fatally shot in Oakland on January 1, 2026, in what was reported as the city’s first homicide of the year. Few details about the circumstances of the shooting have been released. Authorities say an arrest has been made and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged a man with murder; the suspect’s identity has not been made public.

Williams was described by friends as a hella funny person and worked as a teacher. He attended Berkeley High School and the University of California, Santa Barbara. People who knew him have been sharing virtual candles and condolences online in his memory.

If anyone has information about what happened that day or knew Edward, please come forward to assist the investigation.