The 21-year-old who pulled up in his car and “accosted the couple” before starting fire shot and murdered the woman as she was out walking dogs with her boyfriend: Police

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The 21-year-old who pulled up in his car and "accosted the couple" before starting fire shot and murdered the woman as she was out walking dogs with her boyfriend: Police

A California woman was tragically gunned down during a late-night stroll with her boyfriend and dogs in San Leandro last week. Authorities say the suspect, a 21-year-old man, pulled up in a vehicle, confronted the couple, and then opened fire before fleeing the scene. The victim later died from her injuries.

The Incident

The shooting took place on Thursday night, July 17, around 11:11 p.m. at the intersection of East 14th Street and Williams Street in Alameda County. According to the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD), the woman and her boyfriend were walking their dogs when a vehicle pulled up next to them. The suspect, identified as Rohith Sunil, exited the vehicle and accosted the couple.

After a brief altercation, Sunil allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot the woman once in the torso. He then returned to his vehicle and sped away. Despite immediate efforts to rush the woman to a nearby hospital, she did not survive.

Arrest and Investigation

Sunil, a San Jose resident, was arrested shortly before midnight on Thursday, just hours after the shooting, by the Dublin Police Department. He was initially arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, but further investigation connected him to the San Leandro homicide. Surveillance footage from the area of the shooting showed the victim and her boyfriend walking together just moments before the fatal attack.

After more evidence was gathered, Rohith Sunil was charged with murder. The case is now being prepared for prosecution by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

Concerns in the Community

This shooting has raised concerns among local residents, especially because it follows another dog-walking murder just weeks earlier in San Leandro. While the two incidents share similarities, authorities have stated there is no evidence linking the two cases or the suspects involved.

“We recognize the parallels between this case and last month’s murder of another victim walking his dog,” said the San Leandro Police Department. “However, our investigation has found no connection between the two homicides.”

Despite this, residents are on edge. Dulce Macias, a local resident, shared her fear with ABC 7 KGO, saying, “I’m scared. You can’t even go for a walk now.”

Police Appeal for Information

While an arrest has been made, police are still encouraging anyone with further information about the case to come forward. They’ve urged the public to contact the San Leandro Police Department or their anonymous tip line.

The murder of this young woman has left the San Leandro community shaken, particularly as it comes so soon after a similar incident. As the investigation continues, the police are committed to uncovering the motive behind the shooting, and residents remain concerned about their safety during nighttime walks.

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