On March 12, 2023, at approximately 9:00 a.m., 27-year-old Devante Davis was fatally shot near a homeless encampment on Baldwin Street, close to the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Oakland Police Department initiated a homicide investigation, but as of March 20, 2023, no arrests had been made, and no suspects had been identified.
Family and friends described Davis as a peaceful and caring individual who went out of his way to help others. His aunt, Jackie Clark, expressed her grief, stating, "How could somebody kill him like that? That was my child." Friend Tequilla Warner added, "He was my little brother. We did everything together."
The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center held a memorial for Davis on March 18, 2023, to honor his memory and support his family and friends during this difficult time. Joe Hawkins, the center's co-founder and CEO, emphasized the broader issue, stating, "The actual number of Black gay men who are victims of homicide is severely underreported due to homophobia and stigma in Black communities."
As of the latest available information, the investigation into Davis's death remains ongoing, with authorities seeking any information that could assist in identifying the responsible party or parties. The community continues to mourn his loss and hopes for justice.
