Oakland police renew pleas to help solve two murders

OAKLAND, Calif. (Allie Rasmus/KTVU) - Oakland police investigators and the families of two murder victims are asking for the community's help in tracking down four people police believe were responsible for their deaths.

It happened at a birthday celebration - at an art gallery,  just blocks from Oakland City Hall.

It was a large gathering and police say about 300 people where there when it happened on Aug. 14 of 2016 near 15th and Harrison in downtown Oakland.

According to Oakland police the first victim, 20-year-old Craig Fletcher Cooks was shot by multiple gunmen inside the party when he tried to step in when the men started harassing his girlfriend.

After Cooks was shot the gunmen fled the party and started shooting as they ran through the overflow crowd outside. Twenty two year-old old Terrence McCrary Jr. was hit by stray gunfire and was also killed. A third man was also struck but survived.

The homicide investigator in this case on Wednesday made a passionate plea for more information from the community. Police have surveillance video, they've spoken to a number of witnesses, they've even recovered one of the weapons used. But they still need more information.

“With 300 people at that gathering someone out there must have some other bit of information on the suspects that could help them in this case,” said Sgt. Michael Cardoza.  “Someone that was there at the event, maybe it didn't seem significant at the time, particular jacket, particular clothing, just didn't seem right... or they were standing there when this fight broke out. All those things are very important to us. “

The cousin of one of the victims said Cook’s family has not been the same since this happened

“Somebody saw something,” Cook’s cousin, Stacey Flowers said. “Somebody knows something... these boys. And life can move on as best as we can.

Oakland police say the family members of the other victim, Terrence McCrary Jr. were too upset to be at this event. But they are hosting a commemorative art and skating event for their loved one in Berkeley next month.

Oakland police want to remind anyone with information they can remain anonymous. There's also a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.