Holly MatkinOakland, CA – A teenage girl and a 19-year-old woman were murdered when at least two gunmen ambushed the party bus they were traveling in during two attacks early Tuesday morning.
The shooters at least 70 rounds at the bus, hitting at least seven female victims inside, KABC reported.
The first attack occurred on the Interstate 580 eastbound off-ramp at Seminary Avenue at 12:19 a.m., according to police.
The gunmen opened fire on the bus a second time in the area of 68th Avenue and Foothill Boulevard shortly thereafter, KABC reported.
The driver was able to get to the Oakland Police Department (OPD) Eastmont Substation after the attacks.
Many of the bullet-ridden bus’s windows were shattered by the gunfire, according to KTVU.
The group on the bus was celebrating a woman’s 21st birthday when the shooting occurred, KCRA reported.
They were traveling back to Oakland from San Francisco when the gunfire began.
Family members identified the victims who were killed as 16-year-old Zoey Hughes and 19-year-old Alayasia Thurston, according to KTVU.
PARTY BUS SHOOTING: Relatives say 19 y/o Alayshia Thurston was one of 2 women killed when someone opened fire on a party bus traveling on 580 in Oakland. 5 others wounded in shooting during a 21st birthday party. $40k reward, call CHP at 707-917-4491. The latest at 4p on @KTVU pic.twitter.com/DbXAkAv4bw
— Alex Savidge (@AlexSavidgeKTVU) May 18, 2021
I HATE OAKLAND!!! RIP Zoey mamas. 🕊💖 so young & beautiful. You deserved to be here waaaay longer than 16years! Smh i hate the world we live in! Shooting up a party bus?! Smh mfs SICK. RIP baby you aint deserve to go that way!🕊😌#ZOEMODE4Life pic.twitter.com/jFZQyo6sRK
— 🤎 (@Ashtaughtyou_) May 18, 2021
Hughes’ mother, Christina Hughes, said she and her daughter did everything together, KCRA reported.
“Zoey was the sweetest. Had the best heart. Her smile. When she walked into a room, you fell in love with Zoey,” the teen’s mother said through tears.
Five other females were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds, KCRA reported.
At least one was listed in critical condition.
No arrests have been made.
Investigators have not released a motive.
“Bus full of girls, man,” Thomas Augustine told KCRA. “We just want justice.”
Hugs exchanged, candles lit, flowers laid… some of what we’re seeing at the vigil honoring 16-year-old Zoey Hughes, who died suddenly this morning after being shot while on a party bus for her friend’s birthday. The shooting also killed 19yo Alayasia Thurston of Stockton @FOX40 pic.twitter.com/72fM6lpNkQ
— Bridgette Bjorlo (@bridgettebjorlo) May 19, 2021
The California Highway Patrol (CHP), which is investigating the attack with the assistance of the OPD, said investigators do not believe the shootings were random, KCRA reported.
They are offering a $40,000 reward for information leading to the arrests of those responsible.
Oakland Police Officer’s Association President Barry Donelan said gun violence has been surging throughout the city as numbers of officers out on the streets have dropped to a six-year low, KABC reported.
“It just demonstrates how completely out of control gun violence is in Oakland right now,” Donelan said.
Sandy Malone
