Berkeley, California (Friday, March 27, 2020) - On March 20th at 12:20 pm, officers responded to the area of Chestnut Street and University Avenue after reports that a person had been shot. At the scene, officers found a man in his 20’s who had been struck by gunfire. Arriving within minutes, Fire Department personnel were unable to revive the man.
Since that time, investigators were able to identify the suspect as well as his location.
On March 21st, detectives arrested the suspect (Hosea Askew, Male, 52 years old, Richmond, CA) in the City of Richmond--with the assistance of the Department’s Special Response Team.
As the investigation continued, investigators developed evidence that a second suspect (Mercedes Askew, Female, 62 years old, Richmond, CA) aided Hosea Askew in avoiding arrest and she was arrested as well.
On March 26th, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged Hosea Askew with 187(a) PC—Murder, 246 PC—Willfully discharging a firearm at a motor vehicle, 245(b) PC—Committing an assault with a firearm as well as several criminal enhancements.
The same day, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged Mercedes Askew with 32 PC—aiding a principal of a felony.
The Berkeley Police Department takes great pride in keeping our community safe. We appreciate the public’s support and are pleased that we were able to bring justice to those who wish to do harm to our community.
Case 2020-00015724