A couple have been found shot dead outside their home in an upmarket neighbourhood near the University of California, Berkeley, with police investigating and no arrests made.
The victims were identified as Berkeley clothing designers and homeowners Bryan and Michelle Walker. The woman was 63 and the man 61.
Officers from the Oakland Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the property on Panoramic Way at about 10.45am on Friday. They carried out lifesaving measures before both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Assistant Police Chief Casey Johnson said the homicide unit was investigating. A firearm was recovered, but investigators have not determined whether the deaths were a murder-suicide and have not ruled out any possibility.
Police said there was no continuing threat to the neighbourhood and no one had been arrested in connection with the shooting.
The Walkers were known for the Bryn Walker fashion line, which has been based in Berkeley since 1992 and operates six shops. Their clothing is also sold in thousands of boutiques across the US and at Dillard’s department stores.
Neighbour Alessandro Isolani said Bryan Walker had been “a good guy, solid member of the community” and was in a long-term marriage. He said he heard two bangs before police arrived.
“It’s shocking. I’ve lived up here on Panoramic Hill for 20-something years, and I have never seen any violent crime up here,” Mr Isolani said.
Panoramic Hill is a scenic area of expensive homes and student fraternity and sorority houses. The University of California, Berkeley, said there were no “known or ongoing threats” to students after the incident.
Michael Walkman of the Panoramic Hill Neighborhood Association described the shooting as “shocking”. He said residents did not see the couple often, adding: “Mainly, you just see their vehicles come in and out.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information or surveillance footage that could assist the homicide investigation to contact their team.
