On January 6, 2024, 46-year-old Maged Alazzani, a father of four and a well-known store clerk in West Oakland, California, was fatally shot during an armed robbery at Orlando's Market on Linden Street. Alazzani, an immigrant from Yemen, was cherished by his community for his kindness and generosity. Following the shooting, he was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
In late February 2024, Oakland police arrested a 13-year-old male suspect in connection with Alazzani's death. The juvenile, whose identity remains undisclosed due to his age, has been charged with murder and attempted robbery. Investigations revealed that approximately 40 minutes after the fatal incident at Orlando's Market, the same suspect allegedly committed another armed robbery at a different convenience store in Oakland. Additionally, he is suspected of involvement in a robbery at a Target store in Emeryville the following day. Authorities are also searching for a possible male accomplice linked to these crimes.
Under California law, individuals under 16 cannot be tried as adults; therefore, the 13-year-old suspect is being prosecuted within the juvenile justice system. If convicted, he could face confinement until his 25th birthday. The tragic loss of Alazzani has deeply affected the West Oakland community, with neighbors and customers mourning the death of a man they regarded as a pillar of support and kindness.
