Calvin Kelley, a 43-year-old resident of Berkeley, California, was tragically killed on April 26, 2019, in an incident that shocked the local community. Kelley was shot in the back of the head while sitting at a picnic table in People’s Park, a place he frequented daily to play chess and dominoes with friends. The shooting occurred around 2:45 p.m., and Kelley succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
This incident marked the first murder in the 50-year history of People’s Park, a location known for its vibrant community and historical significance.
The suspect in the shooting was identified as Stefon Jefferson, also 43 years old. Jefferson was involved in a violent rampage that day, which included the fatal shootings of two other individuals: Marcus Jackson, 57, in North Oakland, and Laron Davis, 49, in San Francisco. Jefferson was arrested later that night in Douglas County, Nevada, and faced multiple charges, including attempted murder of a police officer, attempted murder with the use of a weapon, being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm, attempting to elude police officers, and possession of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle, a 2015 Toyota Corolla, was stolen from Marcus Jackson, one of Jefferson's earlier victims.
Witnesses at People’s Park described the chilling details of the shooting. Jefferson reportedly approached Kelley from behind and shot him in the head in what appeared to be a cold-blooded act. Witnesses noted that Jefferson seemed agitated and possibly under the influence, with wide and glossy eyes. The community was deeply affected by the loss of Kelley, who was a well-known and beloved figure in the park. Friends and family held a vigil at the site of the shooting to honor his memory.
The legal proceedings against Jefferson were complex, given the multiple jurisdictions involved. He was initially held in Nevada, where he faced charges related to his arrest and the stolen vehicle. The University of California Police Department, which handled the investigation in Berkeley, coordinated with authorities in Nevada to determine the timeline for Jefferson's extradition to face charges for the murders in California. The case highlighted the challenges of handling multi-jurisdictional crimes and the impact of such violent acts on the community.
