Eight-year-old Alaysha Carradine became collateral damage in a Oakland gang war when she was shot and killed during a sleepover back in July. Oakland Police announced today that two suspects have been arrested in the attack that left Carradine dead and two other children injured.

Oakland Police say 22-year-old Darnell Williams was the gunman, but 27-year-old Joe Carroll helped plan the attack that was meant to be retaliation for the killing of 26-year-old Jermaine Davis. Davis was shot to death earlier the same evening in Berkeley. Both suspects have been charged with murder, three counts of attempted murder and shooting an inhabited dwelling.

Oakland Tribune reporters Harry Harris and David DeBolt describe what happened on the night of the shooting in Oakland's Dimond District:

Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley said the suspects went to the Wilson Avenue apartment intent on killing someone they believed was responsible for Davis' killing and "did not care" who was inside when they opened fire. Williams rang the doorbell about 11:18 p.m. and as soon as the door was opened by Alaysha's friend, a 7-year-old girl, he started shooting, O'Malley said. The bullets pierced the apartment's metal gate and hit four of five people inside. Alaysha was killed and her friend, a 4-year-old boy and their 64-year-old grandmother were wounded.

Oakland Police still have not revealed who the shooter's intended target was, but Williams was arrested by Berkeley Police on September 8th in connection with another slaying in West Berkeley. Carroll, meanwhile, had found his way to Houston, where he was arrested last week.

During their investigation of Alaysha's death, police obtained additional information that led them to arrest three more suspected gang members who have been charged along with Carroll for conspiring to murder another man. During a press conference, Oakland Assistant Police Chief Paul Figueroa called the attack, "so despicable we will never forget it." Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said she hopes the investigation sends a message to gang members that violent crime will not be tolerated.

In July, over 200 family, friends and community members came out to mourn Alaysha. Her death was Oakland's 54th homicide of 2013.

Previously: Oakland: 8-Year-Old Girl Shot, Killed During Sleepover
[Oakland Tribune]
[Oakland North]
[OaklandLocal]