Wayne Shaw, the older brother of Bay Area rap legend Too $hort, was shot and killed in East Oakland on Wednesday morning. The 61-year-old was reportedly the victim of an attempted robbery at a marijuana-growing warehouse he owned.
According to the Oakland Police Department, officers responded to multiple ShotSpotter alerts and reports of gunfire around 7 a.m. on the 1200 block of 49th Avenue near East 12th Street. When officers arrived, they found Shaw suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Authorities believe the suspects tried to break into the warehouse using a vehicle. Shaw exited the building and was confronted by the assailants, who then opened fire. A stolen Honda Civic, riddled with bullet holes, was discovered near the scene, possibly linked to the incident.
Community Shock and Concerns Over Violence
Oakland’s cannabis business owners have been raising concerns about increasing break-ins and violent crimes. Tucky Blunts, another local marijuana entrepreneur, said the dangers have forced him to shut down operations. “We’re trying to conduct regular, normal business and have to protect it like we’re a bank,” he said.
One Oakland resident, whose stolen Honda Civic was found near the crime scene, expressed disbelief over the violence. “I’m honestly shocked,” he said. “I don’t know how to process that.”
Wayne Shaw’s killing is Oakland’s 12th homicide of the year, adding to growing concerns about crime in the city. The murder occurred near Too $hort Way, a street renamed in honor of the rapper in 2022.
Police have not released information about suspects or possible arrests. The Oakland Police Department urges anyone with information to contact their homicide section at (510) 238-3821 or submit photos and videos to cidvideos@oaklandca.gov.
Too $hort, born Todd Anthony Shaw, has not yet publicly commented on his brother’s death. The hip-hop community mourns alongside him as investigators continue searching for answers.