Over two months after 56-year-old Richmond resident Miguel Ramirez was fatally struck by a stray bullet while retrieving mail outside his apartment complex, the shooters involved remain on the loose.
On Tuesday, Ramirez’s family made a tearful plea to the public for help in identifying suspects. The Richmond Police Department joined the family in announcing a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals who were responsible.
Erica Ramirez, the victim’s daughter, said her family is devastated by the loss and wants those responsible to be brought to justice.
“The person is still free, the person is still living their life,” she said. “And who has to suffer the pain, I do, we all do, and it’s not fair.”
Ramirez, a well-liked custodian for Entercom San Francisco and KPIX 5, was shot after returning home from work in San Francisco about 5 p.m. on May 14, police said.
Richmond police responded to the area following a Shotspotter gunshot detection activation and found Ramirez in grave condition. Despite life saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
An ensuing investigation uncovered that a gun battle between occupants of a vehicle and at least one person on foot had occurred at 18th Street and Chanslor Avenue. Ramirez was struck by a stray bullet that traveled about 475 feet, more than a block from the location of the gun battle, police said.
Detectives later identified the vehicle involved, a newer Dodge Durango, as well as the person who was driving the vehicle at the time, police said. While that person, who hasn’t been identified, has been questioned by police and remains in custody, police have yet to identify shooting suspects.
“All I want is justice for my dad,” said Erica, who said her father’s birthday was on “July 1 in heaven.”
“My dad did not deserve to go that way,” she said. “I still need him…if you saw or know anyone who knows who did it, please come forward.”
Erica said her father and mother had recently moved to their complex in the 1600 block of 18th Street after having lived in the 600 block of 18th Street, which she described as a much safer area. She said she was worried for their safety, but never thought a tragedy like this could happen to them.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist the family evoked an outpouring of support, with nearly 550 donations.
“My dad was truly one of a kind,” Monica Ramirez stated on the fundraising page. “A very kind, genuine, funny person. Always willing to help and never harmed a soul.”
Anyone with information on possible suspects in this case is asked to contact Detective Sagan at (510)620 -6622 or the anonymous hotline at (510) 621-1212 x1933.
