EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Two men have been charged with murder in connection with Emeryville’s first homicide of the year, which claimed the life of 43-year-old Robert Abeyta of Oakland.
Armand Watson, 52, of Oakland, and Isaac Landry, 51, of Rodeo, were formally charged this week in the fatal shooting, which occurred around 1 a.m. Tuesday in the 3800 block of San Pablo Avenue. Portions of the incident were captured on surveillance footage in the area, according to the East Bay Times.
Court records indicate that Watson and Abeyta were initially involved in a verbal dispute outside a local market. A short time later, a Honda Accord, allegedly driven by Landry, arrived at the scene. Watson reportedly began to enter the vehicle as Landry exited and confronted Abeyta, escalating the confrontation further.
Police say the suspects did not previously know Abeyta, though the motive behind the argument remains unclear.
Family members of the victim described Abeyta—affectionately known as “Chaba”—as a compassionate and generous person. “He was a kind soul who would give you the shirt off his back,” said cousin Lola Leal in an email to KTVU.
The case is under active investigation.
