Darrell Tatmon Charged With Triple Murder After East Oakland Market Shootout, Faces Life Without Parole

 

Darrell Tatmon Charged With Triple Murder After East Oakland Market Shootout, Faces Life Without Parole

OAKLAND, Calif. — Darrell Genesis Tatmon, 40, is facing three counts of murder with a special circumstance for multiple killings after a violent shootout inside an East Oakland corner store left three men dead in the early hours of January 3, 2026. If convicted, Tatmon could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

The fatal incident unfolded around 3:00 a.m. at Sky Market, located at 85th Avenue and International Boulevard in Oakland’s Woodland neighborhood. Authorities say what began as a marijuana transaction rapidly escalated into a chaotic exchange of gunfire, killing two brothers and an innocent bystander who was simply shopping at the store.

Victims Identified in East Oakland Market Shooting

The victims have been identified as:

  • Luis Antonio Valdez-Gomez
  • Kevin Andrew Valdez-Gomez, his brother
  • Miguel Angel Ramirez, 54, a regular customer and father with no connection to the dispute

Prosecutors allege the Valdez-Gomez brothers were attempting to purchase marijuana from a street dealer associated with Tatmon, who is known locally by the nickname “Dutch.” Ramirez, according to investigators and family members, was not involved in the deal and was caught in the crossfire.

Ramirez was transported to a hospital after the shooting but later died from his injuries. A fundraising page created by his family describes him as a devoted father and emphasizes his complete innocence in the confrontation.

Surveillance Video Captures Escalation to Gunfire

Court records and police reports reveal that surveillance video and audio recordings play a central role in the case. Investigators say the argument began after Tatmon felt “disrespected” during the transaction. Audio evidence reportedly captures Tatmon taunting the brothers, including referring to them as “millennials.”

Video footage allegedly shows Tatmon approaching Kevin Valdez-Gomez from behind and punching him, triggering the violent escalation. Prosecutors say Tatmon then drew a handgun. Kevin Valdez-Gomez responded by pulling his own firearm and firing a shot in Tatmon’s direction, which authorities say may have been an act of self-defense.

The situation quickly devolved into chaos.

Role of Second Suspect Angelo Pharr

A second man, Angelo Pharr, 37, is also facing criminal charges. Prosecutors allege Pharr became involved during the struggle, disarming Kevin Valdez-Gomez, pistol-whipping him, and fleeing the scene. Pharr has been charged with assault with a semiautomatic firearm and illegal possession of a gun.

While Tatmon is accused of being the primary shooter responsible for the brothers’ deaths, the exact source of the bullet that killed Miguel Angel Ramirez remains unclear. Court documents acknowledge the possibility that the fatal shot may have come from another weapon during the melee, underscoring the confusion and danger of the shootout.

Prosecutors: Tatmon Executed the Brothers

According to investigators, after the initial exchange of gunfire:

  • Tatmon allegedly shot Luis Valdez-Gomez as he attempted to flee the store
  • Tatmon then waited for Kevin Valdez-Gomez to exit, shooting him once in the head
  • Prosecutors say Tatmon stood over Kevin and fired at least one additional shot into his chest as he lay on the ground

These actions form the basis of the special circumstance allegation for multiple murders, significantly increasing Tatmon’s potential sentence.

Prior Gun Case Near Same Location

Court filings note that this was not Tatmon’s first encounter with gun-related violence near Sky Market. In 2021, Tatmon was arrested on gun charges following another shooting across the street from the same location, tied to the killing of Edward Morgan, 41. While Tatmon was not charged with murder in that case, prosecutors argue the history demonstrates a troubling pattern.

Tatmon is currently being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. His arraignment took place around January 26–27, 2026, according to court records.

Oakland Homicides Surge in Early 2026

The Sky Market shooting has intensified concerns over rising violence in Oakland. Police have already investigated eight homicides in January 2026, with five occurring in the first week alone.

Community leaders have voiced growing frustration. Oakland City Councilmember Kevin Houston reacted angrily in the aftermath, saying, “We got my people dying out here like animals.” Residents have renewed calls for stronger violence prevention strategies, tighter gun enforcement, and community-based interventions.

Timeline of the January 3, 2026 Sky Market Shooting

  • ~3:00 a.m. – Valdez-Gomez brothers arrive at Sky Market to buy marijuana
  • Moments later – Argument erupts; Tatmon allegedly feels disrespected
  • Escalation – Tatmon punches Kevin Valdez-Gomez and draws a gun
  • Gunfire – Kevin fires a shot; struggle ensues involving Angelo Pharr
  • Crossfire – Miguel Angel Ramirez is struck by gunfire
  • Fatal shots – Tatmon allegedly kills both brothers as they attempt to flee
  • Aftermath – Pharr flees; Ramirez later dies at the hospital; Tatmon arrested

Case Raises Questions About Bystander Safety and Gun Violence

As the case moves through Alameda County Superior Court, prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on video surveillance, audio recordings, and witness testimony. The unclear origin of Ramirez’s fatal wound may become a central issue, particularly as the defense raises questions about responsibility amid the chaos.

For many in East Oakland, the tragedy is a grim reminder of how routine interactions can turn deadly, and how innocent lives are often lost when disputes escalate in neighborhoods already struggling with violence.

The outcome of the Tatmon case could have significant implications—not only for the families seeking justice, but also for Oakland’s ongoing debate over public safety, gun access, and accountability.