13 years old

Minor accused of killing a beloved Oakland store clerk is only 13 years old

New details emerge about the killing of Maged Alazzani

By Jillian D'Onfro

New details have emerged about the suspect arrested in connection with the killing of a beloved store clerk in Oakland earlier this year.  

In early January, 46-year-old Maged Alazzani, known as a fixture of his community who helped out his neighbors, was fatally shot during an armed robbery while working at Orlando’s Market, a corner store in West Oakland, SFGATE reported at the time. Alazzani, an immigrant from Yemen, is mourned by his wife and four children, according to ABC7.

In late February, authorities took a suspect into custody who they identified as a juvenile and subsequently charged for his alleged involvement in the killing. Now, Bay Area News Group has reported new details about the case, including that the suspect is only 13 years old. 

“He is the youngest local murder suspect in recent memory,” the outlet reported.  

Under California law, anyone younger than 16 is tried in the juvenile justice system, rather than prosecuted as an adult. 

The teen, an Oakland resident, has been charged with murder and attempted robbery, Bay Area News Group reports. He is also reportedly suspected of robbing another East Bay convenience store 40 minutes after allegedly shooting Alazzani. He had a male accomplice in both instances that authorities are still working to identify, Bay Area News Group reported.

Authorities also said that they suspect the duo for involvement in a robbery at the Emeryville Target that occured the following day, though they have not filed any charges, according to the outlet.

The Oakland police department did not respond to SFGATE’s request for comment by publication.