San Leandro, CA — A California woman was tragically shot and killed while walking her dogs with her boyfriend on a late-night stroll last Thursday.
Police say the suspect, 21-year-old Rohith Sunil, pulled up in his car and “accosted the couple” before opening fire and fleeing the scene. The victim’s boyfriend and their two dogs were unharmed.
The Fatal Shooting
According to the San Leandro Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 11:11 p.m. in Alameda County, near the intersection of East 14th and Williams streets.
The couple was walking in the 1800 block of East 14th Street when Sunil’s vehicle pulled over next to them. He allegedly exited the vehicle, briefly interacted with the couple, and then shot the woman once in the torso.
Despite efforts by police to rush the woman to a nearby hospital, she did not survive her injuries. The boyfriend and the couple’s two dogs were physically unharmed.
Arrest and Investigation
Sunil, a San Jose resident, was arrested by the Dublin Police Department later that night, just before midnight, after a traffic stop that closely matched the vehicle description in the San Leandro homicide.
Sunil was initially arrested for possession of a firearm, but further investigation led police to connect him to the shooting. He was ultimately arrested for murder.
The case has been forwarded to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office for prosecution.
Concerns and Community Reactions
The shooting follows a similar case in San Leandro just weeks earlier, where another person was gunned down while walking their dog. This has raised public concerns about safety in the area, especially during evening hours.
“We recognize the parallels between this case and last month’s murder of another victim walking his dog, and we acknowledge the public safety concerns this may raise within the community,” said the San Leandro Police Department. However, officials stated there is no evidence connecting the two cases or the suspects involved.
Residents have voiced concerns over their safety, with one local, Dulce Macias, telling ABC affiliate KGO, “I’m scared. You can’t even go for a walk now.”
Call for Information
Although an arrest has been made, police are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with additional information to contact the San Leandro Police Department or their anonymous tip line.
