This devastating family tragedy unfolded in Newbury Park, California, on December 5, 2024. Zuberi Sharp, 26, pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026, to second-degree murder in the pickaxe killing of his 15-year-old half-brother Zayde, who had cerebral palsy.
The Attack
Around 8 p.m., with the boys alone in a converted backyard shed, Sharp attacked Zayde. The uncle heard a “thud,” entered, and saw Sharp standing over him with the pickaxe. Zayde’s mother called 911; she held him as he died en route to the hospital. Sharp fled naked, acting erratically, and was caught on a high school football field after public tips.
Guilty Plea Details
Sharp admitted personally inflicting great bodily injury, using a weapon, and targeting a vulnerable victim. Sentencing is May 5—facing 15 years to life.
Family Context
Sharp is the son of Calvin Sharp, serving life without parole for murdering a 6-year-old boy with a meat cleaver in 2007. DA David Russell called it an “unimaginable tragedy” for a family already scarred, noting the plea spares them a trial.
Cases like this raise tough questions about family violence cycles—any thoughts on prevention?
