Oakland rap legend Too Short's older brother, Wayne Shaw, 61, was shot and killed Wednesday morning during an attempted robbery at a marijuana grow operation house in East Oakland. Shaw was shot multiple times and passed away at the hospital.
The 61-year-old victim Wayne Shaw whose real name is Todd Anthony Shaw, the older brother of rapper Too Short was fatally shot in East Oakland on Wednesday morning during what authorities believe was an attempted robbery at the marijuana grow house.
The incident occurred at seven in the morning when several individuals tried to use a car to break into a warehouse near 49th Avenue and East 12th Street. Before being shot multiple times, Shaw who was residing at the house had confronted them. After being taken to Highland Hospital, he passed away after succumbing to his injuries.
Following several Shotspotter alerts and allegations of gunshots, the Oakland Police Department arrived on the scene. Officers found Shaw with several gunshot wounds when they arrived.
Before being sent to a neighboring hospital, paramedics tried life-saving techniques, but he was declared dead not long after they arrived.
The Oakland Police Lt. Gloria Beltran gave details of the incident, she said:
"The suspects arrived at the location and attempted to force their way into the property. While they were trying to gain entry, the victim stepped out and was confronted by the suspects. The suspects fired several rounds at the victim before fleeing the scene."
A bullet-riddled Honda Civic was subsequently discovered by authorities abandoned close to the crime site at 50th Avenue and International Boulevard. The car's owner had reported it stolen from North Oakland the night before, making the current inquiry more difficult.
The pavement in front of the warehouse was littered with bullet shells and evidence marks, suggesting a violent struggle.
Too Short's ties to Oakland and the tragic loss of his brother
Shaw's death has shaken the community and his loved ones. A pioneer of West Coast Time and became well-known in the 1980s by selling his songs on his own before signing with major companies. With songs like "The Ghetto" and "Blow the Whistle", he has recorded more than 20 albums and is well known for his distinctive style and street tales.
Too Short has a long history in Oakland. In recognition of his contributions to music and the community, the city renamed a portion of Foothill Boulevard "Too $hort Way" in 2022.
The tragedy that happened with Too Short's brother gets much worse by the fact that his brother was murdered only a few blocks from this landmark.
Although the rapper has yet to speak publicly after his brother's death. Too Short has already voiced his concerns about Oakland's crime problems. Many anticipate that Too Short will ultimately address the larger problem of violence in his area, especially after the death of his brother.
Wayne Shaw's Connection to the Property
Too Short's brother Shaw had been residing at the place, which was allegedly being used as a marijuana grow house, according to sources familiar with the inquiry.
Several reports said that Shaw had been sleeping there to guard against prior break-ins, while it is still unknown if he was actively involved in its management.
The business's danger was discussed by Tracy Blunt, a local cannabis entrepreneur and former dispensary owner, who said
"We’re trying to conduct regular, normal business and have to protect it like we’re a bank. These crimes keep happening, and it’s scary for those of us in the industry."
The owner of the stolen Honda Civic which was used in the crime spoke to KTVU and revealed,
"I'm honestly shocked. I don't know how to process that my car was involved in something like this. It was stolen overnight, and now it’s tied to a murder."
Police are yet to make any arrests or disclose any information about the car or the suspects involved. As part of its ongoing investigations, the police have asked witnesses to come forward with any information they might have.
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