Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price has announced that murder charges have been filed against Joshua Ballard, a 23-year-old man suspected of killing two individuals in separate shootings in a San Leandro parking lot. The charges include carjacking, second-degree robbery, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, gross negligence, and carrying a loaded gun. Ballard allegedly shot two victims in the head during carjackings at the same 24-Hour Fitness parking lot on September 13 and September 24.
In addition to the San Leandro shootings, Ballard is also facing charges related to a separate incident in which he allegedly shot into an In N Out Burger restaurant in Oakland, injuring a bystander. A ghost gun was reportedly found at the scene of the restaurant shooting, and another was allegedly found in Ballard’s possession during his arrest.
Ballard is currently being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and is scheduled to enter a plea on November 9 at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to 88 years to life in prison.
District Attorney Price emphasized her office’s commitment to reducing access to guns, particularly ghost guns, and working with young people to prevent such acts of violence. She stated that the case has had a traumatic impact on the community and will not be tolerated.
