Man Charged for Fatal Shooting During Attempted Robbery

OAKLAND, CA: A San Leandro man has been charged with special circumstances murder for the attempted robbery and fatal shooting of another man in Oakland's Fruitvale district last week, prosecutors said today. Justin Lewis, 22, is charged in the death of Kevin Hokes Jr., 22, of Oakland, who was shot in the 3300 block of International Boulevard, a few blocks from the Fruitvale BART station, at about 3:40 a.m. on March 17.

Oakland police Officer Michael Valle wrote in a probable cause statement that after Lewis was arrested on Monday, he "provided a full confession to the attempted robbery and shooting." Hokes was standing on the sidewalk at 33rd Avenue and International Boulevard when he was approached by a man, later identified as Lewis, who tried to rob him of his money, Valle wrote.

A struggle ensued and Hokes was struck by a single gunshot in his abdomen, according to Valle. Lewis dropped his gun at the scene and fled in a white Ford Escape, Valle wrote. Hokes was transported to Highland Hospital in Oakland, where he was later pronounced dead. Police said witnesses helped them identify Lewis as the suspect who carried out the shooting. Lewis is charged with murder and the special circumstance of committing a murder during the course of a robbery.

By Bay City News

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