Authorities have identified Berkeley’s third murder victim of 2014 as 21-year-old Damarco J. Thomas of Stockton.
Thomas was shot multiple times and died within minutes Tuesday evening, according to Sgt. Tyrone Davis of East Bay Regional Park District Police Department. His department is handling the investigation because the homicide occurred in the area of Eastshore State Park.
The park police department is seeking the public’s help in finding information on a suspect and suspect vehicle. The suspect is described as a heavy-set black male adult in his late 20s or early 30s, who police say was in the area prior to the shooting.
Investigators are also looking for a white Ford or Chevy style pick-up truck, extended cab, possibly a step-side model.
Davis said video footage at the scene captured at least four individuals in the area before the crime. It appeared as though they knew each other, according to Davis. Although the footage did not capture the crime itself, investigators believe the four male individuals were involved.
Police received an unknown disturbance report at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday and arrived at the scene to find Thomas on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds. They also found numerous spent shell casings and a handgun. Berkeley Fire Department personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Authorities spoke with three witnesses in the area, who did not see the shooting itself but saw the “after effects,” according to Davis. Two subjects were seen fleeing north on foot along West Frontage Road while a vehicle fled south, police said.
Police requested that those with information pertaining to Tuesday’s murder call its investigations unit at 510-690-6549 or its dispatch center at 510-881-1833.
