A 28-year-old musician killed in El Sobrante was targeted because of his race, according to investigators. Jodi Hernandez reports.
A 28-year-old musician killed in El Sobrante was targeted because of his race, according to investigators.
The hate crime that left William Sims of Richmond dead occurred on November 12. Sims had stopped at the Capri Club on the 1400 block of Appian Way for a drink when three men robbed, beat and shot him in the head outside the bar because he was black, authorities said.
"From what we know about this case we believe the victim was targeted and intentionally killed because of his race," Contra Costa Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jimmy Lee said.
Investigators have arrested Daniel Porter-Kelly, 31 and of Richmond, on charges of murder and robbery, with a hate-crime enhancement. But investigators also said two more suspects, 32-year-old Ray Simons of Hercules and 31-year-old Daniel Ortega of Novato or Richmond, are on the loose. Both have warrants for robbery and murder for their arrest, officials said.
"We do consider them armed and dangerous, and they should not be approached," Lee said.
Family friend James Harris said Sims played five instruments, had so much potential, and was a gentle, beautiful person.
"It's very sad," said James Harris, a family friend. "We're not talking about somewhere in the south. We're not talking about back to Jim Crow days. We're talking about Northern California."
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A William Sims memorial fund has been set up on GoFundMe.
An investigation is ongoing Anyone with information may contact the Sheriff's Office at 925-646-2441. For tips, call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message or email: tips@so.cccounty.us.
