‘Motivated by jealousy’: El Cerrito resident pleads guilty to execution-style murder of co-worker

( KRON ) –  An El Cerrito resident was sentenced to 50 years to life on Monday after pleading guilty to the first-degree murder of his co-worker in 2019, according to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins’ office.

Hakim Oden, 25, and the victim worked at the San Francisco Conservation Corps (SFCC). According to the district attorney’s office, Oden was sent to SFCC after committing a robbery on a victim leaving a federal building in 2016.

March 25, 2019, which was the victim’s 19th birthday, was also his first day on the job at SFCC.

Oden was in his car outside the SFCC site when he noticed the victim speaking to a woman he was romantically interested in. The district attorney’s office said Oden appeared to be “motivated by jealousy.”

According to Jenkins’ office, Oden subsequently followed the victim into the building with his hood up and his hand in his hoodie pocket. Assistant District Attorney Charly Weissenbach said the victim was waiting for an elevator when Oden then shot the victim “execution-style” in the back of the head.

Oden fled to his car and then sped off. California Highway Patrol in Riverside County later apprehended him.

“No mother, sister, aunt, cousin, family member or friend deserves to learn that their loved one was murdered on their 19th birthday, especially in a cowardly execution from behind while simply waiting for an elevator,” Weissenbach continued, “I can only hope this resolution is able to bring some closure and healing to the family that misses him daily.”

Oden has been sentenced to 50 years to life after pleading guilty to first-degree murder and admitting the firearm enhancement. Both charges have a consequence of 25 years to life in prison. Oden also was sentenced to three years in state prison to run concurrently with his 50-to-life prison sentence after pleading guilty to the 2016 robbery.

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