A tragic triple homicide unfolded on the early morning of January 3, 2026, at Oakland’s Sky Market liquor store. The senseless violence, now linked to a petty street marijuana transaction, claimed the lives of three men, adding to a particularly deadly period in the city.
The fatal incident began over a mere $10 marijuana deal between two victims, brothers Luis Antonio Valdez-Gomez and Kevin Andrew Valdez-Gomez, and a street dealer, 58-year-old Jamaal Myers. According to the latest police findings, Myers, who was armed at the time, was allegedly involved in the altercation that escalated into violence.
Myers, a convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history, including assault and gun convictions, was arrested on charges related to the incident. Despite not pulling the trigger, he is facing serious legal consequences for being in possession of a firearm as a prohibited person.
Alongside him, Darrell “Dutch” Tatmon, 40, is accused of carrying out the shootings. He faces three murder charges for killing the Valdez-Gomez brothers and a third victim, Miguel Angel Ramirez, a 54-year-old innocent bystander who was caught in the crossfire while shopping in the store.
Authorities believe the conflict began when Tatmon perceived the brothers as disrespecting him, a sentiment that was reportedly exacerbated when one of the victims, Kevin, drew his own gun in self-defense. Despite the deadly escalation, it appears that the entire altercation stemmed from a relatively insignificant exchange of marijuana.
A third suspect, Angelo Lemelle Pharr, 37, was also arrested and charged with assault in connection with the violence.
Oakland, which had already seen a sharp rise in homicides during the New Year’s weekend, now faces the added burden of yet another senseless tragedy. The death toll from this violent stretch is notable, but what makes this particular incident even more shocking is the triviality of the dispute—a $10 marijuana transaction gone terribly wrong.
The event marks yet another example of the intense violence that continues to plague parts of the city, exacerbating existing concerns about safety and policing in Oakland. Community members and law enforcement alike are grappling with the impact of these crimes, which have raised questions about the broader implications for the city’s efforts to curb violence.
As the legal process unfolds, Jamaal Myers remains out on bail after posting $100,000, while Darrell Tatmon faces life in prison if convicted. The investigation into the triple homicide continues, as police and the Alameda County District Attorney’s office work to untangle the details of the incident and bring justice to the victims’ families.
The case also serves as a grim reminder of the destructive potential of street-level drug disputes, and how seemingly minor conflicts can spiral into life-altering events
