Oakland man charged in city’s second homicide of 2026

OAKLAND — A city resident has been arrested and charged with murder for allegedly shooting a man police say he didn’t know.

Brian Spikes-Hopkins, 42, was charged with murder and being a five-time felon in possession of a gun and ammunition. Authorities allege he shot and killed 47-year-old Berkeley resident Edward William less than 12 hours into the New Year.

William, the second Oakland homicide victim of 2026, was shot on the 2700 block of East 20th Street at 11:37 a.m. on Jan. 1, police said.