Oakland Councilwoman Lynette Gibson McElhaney's Son Killed During Failed Robbery Near USC

Oakland City Councilwoman Lynette Gibson McElhaney’s 21-year-old son was fatally shot in a failed robbery attempt Sunday. The boy, a student at the University of Southern California, was shot near the campus.

Victor McElhaney, who was recently transferred to the university from California State University East Bay, was approached by a group of men a mile from the university campus. He was shot by one of the suspects before they fled in a vehicle. Police responded to the scene and found the victim in critical condition. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to injuries.

In a statement released Sunday, Lynette called the incident a “senseless act of violence.”

“Victor was a son of Oakland. He was a musician who drew his inspiration from the beat, soul, and sound of the Town and he belonged in every nook and cranny of Oakland. I miss my baby. Please keep me, my family, and all of my son’s friends in your thoughts and prayers,” she said, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

The University too released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the death of Victor McElhaney. He was a gifted musician and a beloved member of the Trojan Family. His loss will affect all of the faculty and students who knew him. We appreciate the diligent and ongoing efforts of the Los Angeles Police Department to quickly identify and arrest those responsible for this senseless crime and extend our greatest sympathies to Victor's family and friends,” ABC 7 reported.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf offered his condolences and said, “Our hearts grieve with the family and friends of council member Lynette Gibson McElhaney. The tragic death of her son Victor at the hands of violence is an unspeakable loss. Lynette’s leadership and passionate focus on violence prevention has healed wounds in our city and created new pathways for families all across Oakland. Our community sends love and warmth to Lynette at this difficult time.”

The investigation was ongoing and the family was making arrangements for services in Oakland.