Terrell Gardner, a 35-year-old resident of Oakland, California, was tragically shot and killed on November 22, 2017. The incident occurred around 3:16 a.m. on the 1800 block of East 12th Street, a predominantly commercial area near Interstate Highway 880. Gardner was found lying on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The fatal shooting took place the day before Thanksgiving, adding a somber note to the holiday for the local community.
The investigation into Gardner's death led to the arrest of Kyle Lee Jackson, a 50-year-old man with a lengthy criminal history. Jackson, a six-time felon, was identified as the shooter through witness statements and surveillance video. He was apprehended by Oakland police on December 28, 2017, in a homeless encampment known as "Dirt Alley" on the 600 block of Alice Street. Despite denying involvement in Gardner's death during police interviews, Jackson was charged with murder and being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm. He was held without bail at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.
Jackson's criminal record includes convictions for assault, receiving stolen property, second-degree burglary, possession of drugs for sale, and being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm. His first conviction dates back to 1988, with his most recent in 2015. The shooting that resulted in Gardner's death was reportedly the outcome of an argument between the two men, although it remains unclear if they knew each other prior to the altercation. The specific details of the argument have not been disclosed by authorities.
The case against Jackson proceeded in the Alameda County Superior Court, where he faced charges of murder and the special allegation enhancement of intentionally discharging a firearm and causing great bodily injury and death to Gardner. The legal proceedings highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing crimes committed by repeat offenders. The tragic death of Terrell Gardner serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence on individuals and communities, and the importance of continued efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
