Mostly Cloudy

Temp: 60.0F
More info

Oakland Magazine Blog

Bookmark and Share Email this page Email this page Print this page Print this page
Thursday, March 6, 2008

Rodriguez Case

By Dan

The shooting of 10-year-old Christopher Rodriguez as he sat playing piano was an appalling crime that deserves immediate resolution, District Attorney Tom Orloff said recently as he pushed for a speedy trial of the man accused of firing the bullet that paralyzed the boy, the Oakland Tribune reported last month.

In a rare news conference held after accused shooter Jared Adams and his friend Maeve McCallon Clifford appeared in court, Orloff told a group of reporters that the case is the office's top priority.

The District Attorney's Office sought and won a criminal grand jury indictment against Adams and Clifford, a move that allows the case to immediately proceed to a jury trial without the customary preliminary hearing. Orloff also assigned the case to Nancy O'Malley, the chief assistant district attorney.

Christopher was taking a piano lesson about 4:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Piedmont Piano Co. on Piedmont Avenue in North Oakland when a bullet pierced the building and entered the left side of his torso. It then traveled through his spleen, kidney and spine before resting inside his body. It left him paralyzed below the waist.

Police said Adams, 24, was attempting to rob a Chevron gas station across the street from the music school when a cashier called police. Authorities said Adams ran out of the station and headed toward a stolen Ford Mustang, firing three gun shots toward the cashier as he ran. One of those bullets hit Christopher, police said.

Adams, who delayed entering a plea in the case, could face 112 years to life in prison for all the charges filed against him. He is charged with premeditated attempted murder, second degree robbery, shooting at an occupied building, shooting at an occupied motor vehicle evading police, auto theft and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Clifford is charged with second-degree robbery and could face 31 years to life behind bars. She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

 

Posted at 12:55 PM | Permalink

Add your comment:
Verification Question. (This is so we know you are a human and not a spam robot.)

What is 7 + 5 ? 

About This Blog

Welcome to the Oakland Magazine community blog. This is your place to find out about politics, sports, entertainment and current events. Check in daily to find out what is happening in Oakland and the East Bay and feel free to add comments and start a dialogue of your own.

Our Blogs

Feeds

Subscribe to Oakland Blog Feed
Subscribe to Alameda Blog Feed

Categories

Recent Posts

Archives