Man charged in killing of motorist near Lake Merritt

A man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of another man near Oakland’s Lake Merritt this week, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Justin Jenkins, 43, is charged with murder, a gun use allegation, shooting into an occupied vehicle, felony in possession of a firearm, as well as a gun enhancement that could potentially add 10 years to his prison sentence, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office said.

Jenkins is accused of shooting Michael Seymour, 61, on Sunday as Seymour was inside his minivan, stopped at an intersection near the Rene C. Davidson Alameda County Courthouse in Oakland, the DA’s office said.

In addition, prosecutors are accusing Jenkins of shooting Seymour in an unprovoked act of deadly violence and accusing him of having a “long history” of gun violence in Alameda County.

The DA’s office said that Jenkins could face a prison sentence ranging from 36 years and 8 months to life if he’s convicted on all of the charges.

The shooting occurred just before noon on 12th Street and Lake Merritt Boulevard, Oakland police said Wednesday.

Officers responded to the 1200 block of 1st Avenue, where Seymour was found in his crashed van with gunshot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

After police discovered evidence that led them to suspect that Jenkins was the shooter, officers arrested him on Monday on the 1200 block of Broadway.

During the arrest, officers recovered a loaded gun in Jenkins’ possession, authorities said.

In a statement Wednesday, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price praised police for their quick investigation and arrest of Jenkins.

“Gun violence, especially senseless violence involving motorists is totally unacceptable in our community,” said Price. “Our prosecutors reviewed the evidence in this case and filed the appropriate charges in our pursuit of justice for Mr. Seymour and his family. I commend the Oakland Police officers for their swift and thorough investigation and prompt arrest of the alleged shooter.”