On May 26, 2023, 34-year-old Dexter Appleby was fatally shot near the intersection of San Pablo Avenue and 41st Street in Emeryville, California. This incident marked Emeryville's first homicide since 2017.
Appleby, a resident of North Oakland's Gaskill neighborhood and a 2007 graduate of Oakland Technical High School, had a history of legal troubles.
He was linked to the North Side Oakland (NSO) criminal street gang and was named in a 2010 gang injunction filed by the Oakland City Attorney. Between 2014 and 2023, Appleby was arrested over 40 times for various charges, including grand theft, firearm possession, and battery.
In the days leading up to his death, Appleby faced legal issues. He was arrested on May 21, 2023, by the Oakland Police Department for receiving stolen property—a motor vehicle.
Following Appleby's death, the Emeryville Police Department sought public assistance in identifying individuals connected to the case. On August 3, 2023, they named 40-year-old Oakland resident Ryan Belser as a person of interest. Belser was located, questioned, and subsequently released.
Later, on August 16, 2023, the police released surveillance footage of another person of interest seen near the crime scene around the time of the shooting. The individual, dressed in dark clothing and a beanie, was observed walking along San Pablo Avenue at Adeline. The police have requested the public's help in identifying this person.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Appleby's death, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to contact the Emeryville Police Department at (510) 596-3700.
