Berkeley brothers killed at birthday party were targeted

Oakland – The party where two teenage brothers were shot and killed was held at an Airbnb rental, police say.

Officials believe two shooters targeted the brothers when they invaded the party in West Oakland. The shooting is not believed to be related to any group or gang.

“We think it’s the result of a conflict,” Armstrong said. “This may have happened at school before. We believe three individuals came in a vehicle, entered the house, two of whom started firing bullets.”

Oaklnd Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong said it was heartbreaking that two young lives were among the latest victims of gun violence in Oakland.

“What is happening in our community with respect to our young people is unacceptable,” Armstrong said.

The two brothers, 17-year-old Jayz Sotelo Garcia and 15-year-old Angel Sotelo Garcia attended Berkley High School. On Monday, students and staff reacted with sadness and shock.

“Honestly, I haven’t really accepted it yet,” said student Emily Burgos, who knew the victims. “I was with them 30 minutes before it happened, and told them I would see them on Monday.”

The shooting happened around 9:45 p.m. Saturday at an Airbnb rental on Apgar Street near West MacArthur Boulevard in West Oakland, where a 17-year-old girl was celebrating her birthday. At least two people opened fire, one with a rifle, the other with a handgun, the chief said.

Two other teenagers present at the party were injured.

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Airbnb has banned all parties in its rentals for years. The weekend party was not allowed and the parent who rented it was removed from the platform.

Counselors are provided to students and staff at Berkeley High School.

“It’s really sad that guns have affected a lot of people, especially children, which is really said,” said Berkeley High student Doris Calderon.

Berkeley Schools Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel said: “This is a really difficult time for all of us. Never, ever should a community be devastated like this, and we come together to heal together, to be of service. and to be in community with the family

Cesar Barragan came to campus to report that his son, a friend of the brothers, was too devastated to come to school on Monday.

“Guns are just too available. Way too available,” Barragan said. “He is devastated by what happened. The two children who were killed were just normal children, very involved in football. My son cried a lot.”