Oakland, California — A Friday morning shooting at an adult education campus in Oakland has left 25-year-old Kimarii McLemore dead and another person hospitalized, prompting an active police investigation.
Authorities believe the attack was targeted rather than random, while grieving family members say the young student had previously expressed concerns about someone she encountered in class.
Police Respond to Deadly Morning Shooting
According to the Oakland Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 9 a.m. on Friday, July 31, at the Parker Community Resource Center, which houses the Oakland Unified School District’s Adult School and Roots Community Health Center.
When officers arrived, they found two victims in their 20s suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police immediately provided first aid, but Kimarii McLemore was pronounced dead from her injuries. The second victim was transported to a local hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators have not publicly identified the surviving victim.
Investigators Believe Attack Was Targeted
During a press conference, Oakland Police Chief James Beere said investigators do not believe the shooting was a random act.
Although authorities have not announced a suspect or disclosed a possible motive, Beere said detectives are following strong investigative leads.
He expressed confidence that investigators would determine both the motive behind the shooting and the individuals responsible.
The investigation remains active, and police continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence collected from the scene.
Family Says Victim Had Previous Conflict at School
Family members later identified the victim as Kimarii McLemore, who was enrolled in a carpentry program at the adult school.
Speaking to local media, McLemore’s aunt, Brittia Johnson, said Kimarii had previously experienced problems with another student in her class.
According to Johnson, Kimarii later believed they had resolved their disagreement after talking through the issue. However, Johnson said her niece had previously felt unsafe around that individual.
Police have not confirmed whether that earlier conflict is connected to the shooting, and investigators have not named any suspects.
Johnson also recalled receiving an emotional phone call from Kimarii’s mother shortly after the shooting.
“They killed my baby.”
She said the devastating call marked the beginning of an unimaginable loss for the entire family.
School Immediately Locked Down
Following the shooting, the Oakland Unified School District placed the campus on immediate lockdown.
District spokesperson John Sasaki said approximately 20 people were on campus when the shooting occurred.
School officials described the incident as a tragedy that should never happen on any school campus and said counselors and other support services would continue to be available for students and staff affected by the violence.
The district also pledged to provide ongoing assistance in the days ahead as the community continues to recover.
Family Remembers a Beloved Community Member
McLemore’s relatives described her as a caring and respected member of the community whose presence brought joy to those around her.
Her brother, Tyriq Long, said people naturally gravitated toward Kimarii because of her warm personality and positive spirit.
Her aunt said the family has been left deeply traumatized by the loss and urged others to resolve conflicts peacefully rather than through violence.
She emphasized that arguments and material disputes can be replaced, but a human life cannot.
As detectives continue searching for those responsible, Kimarii’s family says they hope she will be remembered for the kindness, compassion, and happiness she shared with everyone around her.
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