Louis Truehill, a 60-year-old resident of Oakland, California, tragically lost his life on October 3, 2022. The incident occurred in the 1300 block of Kirkham Street, where Truehill was fatally shot. Patrol officers responded to the scene shortly before 3 p.m. and found Truehill suffering from severe gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
This tragic event marked the 100th homicide in Oakland for the year 2022.
The investigation into Truehill's death revealed that the shooting stemmed from a disagreement over payment for drugs between Truehill and the suspect, Kahalil Attiba. Attiba, a 40-year-old Oakland resident who uses a wheelchair, allegedly shot Truehill multiple times after an initial confrontation. Witnesses reported seeing the altercation, which escalated quickly, leading to the fatal shooting. Truehill's attempt to disarm Attiba after being shot once resulted in further gunfire.
The Oakland Police Department, in collaboration with the Oakland Housing Authority Police and the United States Marshals Service, conducted a thorough investigation. Their efforts led to the arrest of Kahalil Attiba on October 5, 2022. Attiba was subsequently charged with murder, carrying a concealed firearm, and multiple related offenses. In total, he faced 21 charges. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office formally charged Attiba with murder, and he was held in custody without the possibility of release on bond. His plea hearing was scheduled for November 8, 2022, at the Wiley M. Manuel Courthouse in Oakland.
The community was deeply affected by Truehill's death, as he was a well-known and beloved figure. He had recently celebrated his 60th birthday and was reconnecting with family and friends. Truehill was also a lifelong member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in West Oakland, where he was known for his faith and community involvement. In the wake of his death, the Truehill family received an outpouring of support from the community, including a fundraiser to help them cope with their loss and support his grandchildren.
