OAKLAND — A suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with a West Oakland fatal shooting from 2008, according to court records.
Atiba A. Barnes, 35, was arrested and charged with murdering 38-year-old Kevin Grant in the Jan. 14, 2008 killing, which police allege was motivated by an argument over a marijuana transaction. Barnes has been wanted on murder charges since 2020, according to court records.
Police haven’t revealed what broke the investigation open or why it took more than 12 years to identify Barnes as a suspect, but they have revealed that at least one witness to the shooting started cooperating with investigators. A probable cause statement by an Oakland police investigator says that Grant and his unnamed friend met Barnes and another person to buy marijuana near a fast-food restaurant at 7th and Market Streets on the day of the shooting.
During an argument that ensued, Barnes allegedly fired at Grant and his friend. Grant was hit by gunfire as he attempted to run away, police allege.
At the time, police said two potential witnesses were interviewed shortly after the homicide.
Investigators wrote in court papers that Barnes was identified as a suspect “through witnesses and physical evidence,” without elaboration.
Barnes has pleaded not guilty and remains in Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on a no-bail hold. He was arrested June 10 in Vallejo, court records show. His next court appearance has been set for July 19.
Source: www.mercurynews.com