Full Notification

The Berkeley Police Department has been actively working on an ongoing homicide investigation related to a stabbing incident that took place on the 1300 block of Russell Street on January 18, 2025. This unfortunate event resulted in the death of a female victim.  

On January 18, at approximately 12:23 p.m., the Berkeley Police Communication Center received a report about a stolen vehicle tracking on the 1300 block of Russell Street. The caller, a delivery van owner, reported that his van had been stolen while he was delivering packages in Oakland. Having experienced prior thefts, he had installed a tracking device on the vehicle, which allowed him to monitor its location and alert the police to a residence on Russell Street in Berkeley. Upon arrival, he found a man and a woman removing packages from his van and confronted the male, leading to a struggle between them.

Officers arrived shortly after the initial call and found two men with stab wounds at the intersection of Russell and Acton Streets. They also discovered the stolen van a block and a half away on Burnett Street, where a woman was lying wounded. All three individuals were treated for their injuries and transported to a local trauma hospital; unfortunately, the female victim later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.

Due to the nature of the investigation, and in the absence of an active threat to the public, detectives worked diligently to determine the facts before releasing details publicly. That investigation has led to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office filing charges of murder and attempted murder against Raymond Johnson out of Downey, CA.  We appreciate the public’s patience during the investigation. 

The Berkeley Police Department would like to remind the public that we are here to intervene in any case of criminal misconduct. We urge our community to be vigilant in reporting incidents to the police and to be good witnesses while always prioritizing their safety. 

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