OAKLAND — A 16-year-old boy was formally charged Monday with murder and robbery in the March 17 killing of Derbing Jose Alvarado Gonzalez, 15, who was fatally shot as he was walking with friends to soccer practice in East Oakland.
The suspect, who was arrested Thursday at his East Oakland home not far from where the shooting happened, remains in custody at Alameda County Juvenile Hall. His name has not been released because of his age. Police would not say if he had any prior arrests.
Authorities confirmed they recovered the gun they believe was used in the killing as well as the clothing the suspect was wearing at the time after a search warrant was served at his home.
Derbing and his friends were walking about 4:15 p.m. March 17 in the 1400 block of 100th Avenue on their way to soccer practice when they were confronted by the 16-year-old and another youth.
Police have said the 16-year-old suspect did not know Derbing and that the victim was targeted for a backpack he was wearing.
When Derbing did not immediately comply he was shot multiple times and the two youths fled without taking anything. He died later at a hospital.
No one else was injured. Homicide Lt. Gloria Beltran said at a press briefing that investigators had been able to identify the suspect through “really important” community assistance, including statements from people who were in the area at the time.
She said homicide investigators “treat every case the same,” but anytime a child is a victim, “it is going to have more of an impact on the community and more people are willing to get involved.”
Authorities said Monday that they did not expect to charge anyone else in the case.
Derbing, a sophomore at Cristo Rey DeLa Salle High School in the Fruitvale district, was well-liked and respected by his friends and would always stick up for them and his family, his parents told police.
His parents told police he loved soccer, wanted to be a police officer and had recently gotten a summer job to help out his family. “He was the best son anybody could ever have” and the “best example” for his younger sister, the parents said.
As of Monday afternoon a GoFundMe account set up in Derbing’s name to assist his family had raised $94,935.