HE NEVER MADE IT HOME': Tony Jerome Norman, 67, was fatally shot Wednesday in West Oakland while walking home from BART

OAKLAND, Calif. —** A quiet West Oakland neighborhood is mourning after **Tony Jerome Norman, 67**, was fatally shot Wednesday evening while walking home from the BART station. For loved ones, the tragedy is unbearable: **he never made it home**.

Police say the shooting occurred around 8:45 p.m. near the intersection of 16th and Peralta Streets. Norman, who had just exited the station, was making his familiar walk back to his residence when gunfire erupted. He was struck multiple times, collapsing only blocks from his home. Despite efforts from emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have not confirmed a motive, though investigators are exploring robbery as a possible factor. No arrests have been made, and police are urging anyone with information or surveillance footage to come forward.Norman’s family and neighbors describe him as a **kind, steady presence** who lived in the community for decades. A retired transit worker, he was known for his warm smile and daily greetings to those he passed. 

“Tony was the kind of man who never rushed a conversation—he always made you feel seen,” a longtime friend said.The shooting has reignited concerns about safety for pedestrians in West Oakland, particularly for seniors who rely on public transportation. Community leaders are calling for increased patrols and resources to prevent further tragedies.

As candles and flowers began to appear near the site of the shooting, the grief was palpable. “He was almost home,” one neighbor whispered, shaking their head.Tony Jerome Norman’s death leaves a painful void for his family, friends, and the city he helped shape. Authorities stress that his case remains an urgent priority. For now, Oakland remembers a man taken too soon on an ordinary walk that should have ended safely.