DB BedfordFounder/ CEO, Ei365 · Chief Civility Strategist| Founder of Civility Intelligence | Workplace Civility Expert| Civility Ambassador Academy

Suspected Arrested For The Murder Of My Niece

3 May 2023 · 2 min

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1:34

In a formal announcement, the speaker—representing a prosecutorial office—details the murder charges filed against Bernard Tracy Jemerson, an Oakland resident and father of two, who fired an assault rifle into the street and killed 21‑year‑old Marie Villa Bedford as she drove by. Jemerson claimed he was frustrated by nighttime traffic noise, left his home with the rifle, and shot at passing cars, resulting in the fatality. He now faces second‑degree murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, possession of an assault rifle, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and a gun‑enhancement charge, with a potential sentence of 27 years to life. The speaker condemns the prevalence of guns and reckless use in the community, urging accountability and an end to such violence.

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My office has filed murder charges against an Oakland man who fired his assault rifle into the street, killing 21-year-old Marie Villa Bedford, who was just driving by. My condolences go out to Ms. Bedford's family, and we offer our heartfelt sympathy. Her murder is heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable. Bernard Tracy Jemerson, an Oakland resident, And the father of 2 young children, told police he was frustrated by the noise of cars racing up and down his street in the middle of the night. He went outside with his rifle and shot at passing cars, hitting and killing Marie Bedford. Today, because of a decision he made in anger, Mr. Jimerson is facing a sentence of 27 years to life. Mr. Jimerson is charged with second-degree murder, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, possession of an assault rifle, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, and a gun enhancement. There are too many guns in this community, and there are too many people who are too quick to use a gun, believing they have a right to use a gun when they Do not. It needs to stop. And when someone takes a life under these circumstances, we will hold them accountable.