Oakland, California – Two individuals, both 18 years old, are facing charges of murder and attempted murder in connection to a fatal shooting that took place outside a fast food restaurant in January. Court records reveal that Jamal Watts from Oakland and Juliese Lawson from Pacheco have been accused of killing 28-year-old Kenyetta Chapman and injuring a 19-year-old woman who managed to escape by running and jumping over a fence.
The tragic incident unfolded at approximately 8:30 a.m. on January 21 when Chapman and the young woman were sleeping in a vehicle parked outside the restaurant on East 24th Street in Oakland. An assailant approached their car, knocked on the window, then retreated to his own vehicle before opening fire. Although both victims were hit by gunfire, the woman’s quick reflexes allowed her to flee and avoid lethal injuries.
Law enforcement investigations point to Lawson as the shooter, alleging that he initiated the attack by knocking on the car window, after which Watts provided him with the shotgun from their vehicle. Watts was later taken into custody and is currently held at Santa Rita Jail awaiting an arraignment in mid-April. On the other hand, Lawson remains at large and is considered a fugitive by authorities.
In a separate incident occurring nine days after the shooting, Watts was questioned by Oakland police regarding an armed robbery in which a victim was shot. Miraculously, the victim was spared serious injury as bullets were deflected by gardening clippers carried in a shirt pocket. Despite being a person of interest in this case, Watts was not immediately arrested by law enforcement.
The loss of Chapman, a devoted family man and hardworking individual, has deeply impacted his loved ones. His funeral, held at a Richmond church in February, honored his memory as described in a heartfelt eulogy that praised his kind nature, intellect, and unwavering dedication to supporting his family. Chapman’s legacy lives on through his two sons, as he is remembered for his kindness, ambition, and striking appearance.