Frank Franz, an 18-year-old from Oakland, California, tragically lost his life on July 21, 2015, due to a gunshot wound. Frank, affectionately known as Frankie, was born on August 20, 1996, and spent his early years in Oakland and San Leandro. He attended high school in various locations, including Patterson, San Leandro, and San Francisco. Frankie was known for his engaging personality, charisma, and sense of humor, which endeared him to people of all ages.
His love for San Francisco was well-known among his family and friends.
On the fateful day of July 21, 2015, Frankie was killed instantly by a gunshot wound to the back of his head. The incident occurred in an East Oakland apartment, where he was with friends. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Isaiah Powell, admitted to accidentally shooting Frankie while playing with a shotgun. Powell's father called the police to report the incident, and officers found Frankie deceased at the scene. Powell was taken into custody, and the shotgun used in the shooting was seized as evidence.
The case quickly moved through the legal system. Initially, Powell faced murder charges for the accidental shooting. However, he later pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter. This plea agreement acknowledged that the shooting was unintentional but still held Powell accountable for his actions. The court proceedings revealed that four other individuals fled the apartment after the shooting, and police were still searching for them at the time.
Frankie's death was a devastating loss for his family and friends. His obituary highlighted his vibrant personality and the deep connections he had with those around him. A celebration of his life was held at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland, where loved ones gathered to remember and honor him. In lieu of flowers, donations were encouraged to be made to organizations dedicated to preventing gun violence, reflecting the family's desire to turn their grief into a positive force for change.
