Larry Spencer was 19 when he was fatally shot on May 8, 2009, in Oakland, California. His death came during a year when the city recorded over a hundred homicides and struggled with widespread gun violence and gang-related activity, particularly affecting East Oakland neighborhoods.

Spencer’s killing is listed among multiple unsolved cases from that difficult period, and his family has not found answers about the motive. Community advocates and local memorials have highlighted Spencer’s death as part of broader efforts to call attention to the root causes of violence, including poverty and lack of opportunity, and to push for stronger community engagement and public safety strategies.

If anyone knew Larry, witnessed events on May 8, 2009, or has information that could help, please come forward and share what is known.