Oakland man charged for killing brothers during child custody dispute

OAKLAND, Calif. - An Oakland resident has been charged with a deadly shooting that killed two brothers during a child dispute. 

According to the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, 33-year-old Tommy Ramsey allegedly killed adult brothers Nathanuel Jamar Wills and Jason Markel Wills on Dec. 20, 2024 in Oakland. 

Ramsey allegedly was having a dispute with his child's mother during a custody exchange when he shot both Nathanuel and Jason. 

"This is another tragic example of the irreversible and deadly consequences of someone using a gun to settle a dispute," Chief Assistant District Attorney Royl Roberts said. "No family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to gun violence in our community."

The shooting occurred on Fairmount Avenue, north of Lake Merritt, Oakland police said.

What we don't know:

It wasn't immediately known what the circumstances were between Ramsey and the victims leading up to the shooting. 

It's also unclear the relationship between the brothers and the child's mother and Ramsey. 

The child's current welfare wasn't shared by officials.

What we know:

Ramsey is facing one count of murder for each of the brothers, and charged with special allegations for use of a firearm, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury, and two strikes connected to the deaths of Jason Markel Wills and Nathanuel Jamar Wills each. 

His plea hearing is scheduled for Monday. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 130 years to life, plus eight months in state prison.