Photo: David Harrison (l), Marcus Smith (top) and victim Joseph Gormley
CASTRO VALLEY — Authorities recently arrested two men for a fatal shooting that occurred during a robbery in August. While one man faces a murder charge, a second man is accused of being an accessory after the fact.
The shooting occurred on August 9 on the 2300 block of John Court, near Interstate 580. The victim, Joseph Gormley, 24 of Castro Valley was shot multiple times inside his car during a robbery. He died at the scene.
Witnesses and video recorded by a surveillance camera aided investigators. One suspect was seen fleeing by car, which as it turns out was involved in an earlier unrelated hit and run accident.
Police believe the killing occurred during a prearranged meeting, which possibly involved the illicit sale of cannabis. Investigators determined the victim and suspected murderer knew each other, based on phone records evidence.
The car suspected of being used to flee from the shooting was located about two weeks later in San Leandro. Investigators linked the car to a hit and run accident that occurred on August 27.
Subsequently, David D. Harrison, 21 of San Leandro was arrested on suspicion of murder, robbery and several weapons charges. While in custody, authorities arrested him again on October 22 for the unrelated hit and run car accident.
The second suspect, Marcus A. Smith, 22 of Oakland, faces charges for robbery, grand theft, and for being an accessory after the fact.
Both suspects remain at Santa Rita Jail, ineligible for release on bond. Their next court date is November 29.
