In February of 2012, Brondon McDaniel, an Oakland rapper known as “Thudda Boy,” was gunned down by two men outside his Oakland home located in the 400 block of 105th Avenue. Police believe that the murder was related to a dispute over money. Now, two men have been arrested and charged in the murder and are being held in the Santa Rita Jail without bail.
One of the suspects, 31-year-old Anthony Hoskins, escaped from custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on January 11 and was caught on February 13 in Reno, Nevada, where he was arrested by authorities. He was being held at the jail after being charged with more than a dozen area robberies in March of 2012 prior to his escape while being transported to the Highland Hospital by a sheriff’s deputy. The second suspect, 24-year-old Ezell Edwards, has prior convictions related to 2008 and 2009 drug charges, according to prosecutors. Hoskins has prior convictions for possessing and selling cocaine base in 2003, and kidnapping in 2006 according to a criminal complaint filed by the District Attorney’s office in Alameda County.
Both of the suspects were charged with murder after allegedly gunning down McDaniel, and have also been charged with being felons in possession of firearms. Police officer Phong Tran said that Hoskins and Edwards had gotten into an argument with McDaniel over money outside of his Oakland home, where both suspects allegedly shot him. Authorities also revealed that at the time of the murder, Hoskins was on parole.
News reports indicate that authorities charged the two men based on physical evidence collected and witness statements. According NBC Bay Area news, both suspected were arraigned on March 14 in Alameda County Superior Court.
Oakland murder defense attorneys know that when an individual is convicted of murder, the criminal penalties are extremely serious. Other factors such as a prior criminal conviction will affect sentencing as well. Depending on whether the charge is first- or second-degree murder or capital murder and whether aggravating factors exist, a person may be sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, or even the death penalty.
Individuals who have been charged with murder, homicide, involuntary or voluntary manslaughter or any serious criminal offense must consult with a skilled Oakland criminal defense lawyer immediately to ensure your rights are protected, and that you have the best chance for a positive outcome.
