OAKLAND, CA – A West Oakland community is grappling with the aftermath of a deadly shooting involving a teenage boy and a local resident now facing murder charges. The suspect, 42-year-old Dante Floyd, is accused of killing a 17-year-old boy in front of his home, an act his family insists was self-defense.
Floyd’s relatives describe him as a protective figure in a neighborhood plagued by poverty and crime. He is currently in custody, facing multiple felony charges, including murder. The incident occurred on October 2, just before dawn, when Floyd allegedly shot the teenager in the back. The teen was reportedly tampering with vehicles alongside another individual.
Floyd’s parents claim there was an exchange of gunfire between their son and the individuals suspected of attempting to break into cars. They point to numerous bullet holes around their property as evidence of shots fired by the teenager and his accomplice.
The suspect’s family recounts Floyd’s history of victimization, including a previous robbery at gunpoint and a gunshot wound to his leg two years ago, which left him suffering from PTSD. At the time of the shooting, Floyd’s household included a young grandchild and his quadriplegic brother.
Despite the family’s defense, court documents state that Floyd continued firing as the teen and his companion fled. The injured boy was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Floyd was apprehended later that day.
District Attorney Ursula Jones Dixon underscored the importance of allowing law enforcement to handle violent crime, emphasizing that violent force is unacceptable outside of self-defense.
Floyd’s family expresses anguish over the situation, asserting that they do not invite violence into their community. They describe Floyd as the family’s backbone, with two daughters relying on him.
Floyd remains in Santa Rita Jail without bail, with a pretrial hearing set for November 5.