On November 5, 2017, 18-year-old Soane Mausia was shot and killed outside his home in East Oakland, California. The incident occurred around 2:55 a.m. in the residential area of the 1700 block of 78th Avenue, not far from Arroyo Viejo Park. During the attack, Soane was standing with his younger brother, aged 16, and other family members when at least two unidentified men ran up to the group and began shooting.
Soane was struck by gunfire and died at the scene, while his brother was injured and taken to the hospital in critical condition, though he eventually recovered.
The community in East Oakland, particularly the local Tongan community, was deeply affected by the tragedy. The attack seemed random, and investigators have not been able to determine a motive for the shooting. No arrests have been made, and the Oakland Police Department is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to the Mausia family.
The senseless nature of the shooting and its impact on the family, who were simply gathered outside their home, has left the community mourning the loss of a young life taken too soon. Soane’s death is a reflection of the broader issues with gun violence that Oakland continues to face, with numerous unresolved cases that are still pending justice (Sources: Matangi Tonga, Kaniva Tonga News).
