May 21, 2003

* FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *

VICTIM IDENTIFIED
In South Berkeley Homicide

Berkeley, CA. – A 20 year old murder victim discovered yesterday in a South Berkeley neighborhood has been identified as Mario Dashawn Mills of Berkeley.  An autopsy conducted by the Alameda County Coroner’s office today confirmed that Mills was a victim of gunfire. At this time, BPD Homicide detectives are actively working on the case, and do not wish to discuss specific details as to how many times Mills was shot or what caliber of weapon may have been involved in the crime.

On Monday May 20, 2003 at approximately 6:30 am, a resident of the 1400 block of Derby Street called a BPD 911 line to report a possible body in some bushes between two homes. Officers found Mills whom they pronounced dead at the scene.

This marks the third homicide in the City Of Berkeley for 2003. On January 14, 2003, Ronald Easily, 19, was shot to death in the 1600 block of Harmon Street. On March 17, 2003, Andre Byes, 37, was shot in his home in the 1300 block of Glendale Avenue.

Anyone who has information regarding the Derby Street homicide is encouraged to call the BPD Homicide detail at (510) 981- 5741. You may remain anonymous.