Latest news with #MarvinBoomer
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Marvin Boomer's family to sue CHP, city over crash that killed Oakland teacher
The Brief An attorney for Marvin Boomer's family says they plan to sue Oakland, CHP and the driver involved in a crash that killed the popular teacher last week. The crash involved a car that had been pursued by CHP moments earlier. The announcement followed a memorial service Friday afternoon celebrating Boomer's life. OAKLAND, Calif. - Loved ones of cherished Castlemont High School teacher Marvin Boomer slammed police Friday, announcing they're planning legal action over an Oakland crash that took his life last week. It stemmed from a California Highway Patrol chase through a residential neighborhood. The family's attorney, Michelle Barnard, told KTVU late Friday afternoon, "We are planning legal action and expect to file suit in the next week." She said "the driver, the City of Oakland, CHP and possibly OPD" would be named in the lawsuit. What they're saying "Marvin Boomer Jr. should be alive today," said Bernard. In a press conference Friday, those close to Boomer called his death an injustice. "He died a hero, and we will not allow that heroism to be silenced by bureaucratic excuses or policy failures cloaked in blue," said Bernard. The backstory On May 28, Boomer, 40, was walking with his partner, Nina Woodruff, on East 21st Street. A car came careening toward them. He pushed her to safety as a fire hydrant hit him. "My physical pain is nothing compared to where my heart is, it's broken," said Woodruff. The car that injured Woodruff and killed Boomer was being pursued by CHP, which says they called off the chase moments before the crash. The driver, Eric Hernandez-Garcia, was arrested. "It's not fair to any of us that we have to live on streets that are inhabited by behaviors like this," said Woodruff. Loved ones believe a chase like this--and the deadly crash that followed--would never have happened in a more affluent neighborhood. "What happened to my brother was senseless, tragic, reckless. Our family is completely heartbroken," said Tynesha Boomer, Marvin Boomer's sister. Inside Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland, a memorial service paid tribute to Boomer's life and legacy. Local perspective "He's a gem, just a one-of-a-kind person," said Castlemont High School principal Joseph Blasher. "He could have taken his PhD anywhere. Instead, he planted himself right in Oakland, because he believed that education changes everything, and it does," said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. Colleagues say the cherished math teacher saw something in his students that few others did: potential. "I regret that he's not going to be the one delivering so many amazing things to so many amazing people that we work with," said Blasher. "That was my baby," said Marvin Boomer's mother, Dorothenia Martin Boomer. "That was my son, my only. My beloved." The Boomer family now says they will honor his memory by fighting for justice and change. "You may not be here, but your work will continue," said Marvin Boomer, Sr. What's next CHP and the City of Oakland both declined to comment on the planned lawsuit. Hernandez-Garcia is expected to enter a plea on vehicular manslaughter and other charges later this month. The Source Original KTVU reporting
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY AND FAMILY SPOKESPERSON MICHELLE D. BERNARD Following Open-Casket Memorial for Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr.
OAKLAND, Calif., June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Good afternoon, beloved community. We gather here today not merely in mourning, but in righteous indignation. We gather in remembrance—but also in resistance. Because a son of Oakland, a son of this nation, a brilliant Black man named Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr., has been stolen from us. Now I stand here today not only as an attorney, but as a sister in the struggle. I speak not only as a legal representative, but as a mother, a daughter, a woman who has seen too many families crushed under the weight of injustice. I speak with a heavy heart and a righteous fire, because Marvin Boomer, Jr. should be alive today. He was not caught in a storm of his own making. He was not a suspect. He was not a statistic. He was a scholar, a teacher, a lover of justice, a defender of Black dignity. He was walking with his partner, Nina, when he saw death coming and put her safety before his own. He died a hero. And we will not allow that heroism to be silenced by bureaucratic excuses or policy failures cloaked in blue. So we say his name today: Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr. And we will keep saying it until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream. Let me be clear: had this happened in Mill Valley, or Tiburon, or Stanford, or Woodside—if this had happened on streets paved with privilege and protection—Marvin Boomer would be alive. But in East Oakland, where Black and Brown lives are too often deemed expendable, the rules were different. The pursuit policies were different. And the consequences, as always, were deadly. This family is not only grieving—they are standing tall. They are saying enough is enough. And I am honored—deeply honored—to represent them in their pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice. So now, I invite you to meet the voices behind the pain and the purpose: His mother, a queen among women, Ms. Tina Boomer. His father, steadfast and courageous, Mr. Marvin Boomer, Sr. His sisters, each a beacon of strength and grace: Tynesha Boomer, Deborah Martin, and Brittany Boomer. And the woman who loved him, and whose life he saved with his last breath, Ms. Nina Woodruff. Hear them. See them. Stand with them. And say his name with us—not just today, but until justice is served. #JusticeForDrMarvinBoomerJr#SayHisName#BlackLivesMatter#NoMoreRecklessPursuits May God bless this family. May God bless this movement. And may Dr. Marvin Boomer, Jr.'s legacy light the path forward—for all of us. Contact:Michelle D. Bernard, & CEO, The Bernard Center for Women, Politics & Public PolicyEmail: mbernard@ (301) 807-2394 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Bernard Center for Women, Politics & Public Policy Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBS News
30-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Pedestrian killed in crash following Oakland CHP chase identified as beloved Castlemont HS teacher
A pedestrian killed by an out-of-control vehicle being chased by officers in Oakland Wednesday was identified as Marvin Boomer, a teacher at Castlemont High School. The Oakland Unified School District on Friday confirmed Boomer was the person killed when a vehicle being pursued by the California Highway Patrol crashed into him while he walked with a companion at 12th Avenue and East 21st Street early Wednesday evening in the city's Clinton neighborhood. His companion suffered minor injuries. Marvin Boomer Oakland Unified School District The district issued the following statement Friday, the day it was holding its graduation ceremony at noon at the city's Paramount Theatre. "Castlemont High School and Oakland Unified School District are in mourning after the shocking loss of a beloved member of the school community. Dr. Marvin Boomer was a pedestrian who died after a tragic car crash on Wednesday, just one day before the end of school. Dr. Boomer was a beloved and vital member of the Castlemont family, having served the past eight years, first as a math teacher then as a College and Career Pathways Coach. His warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit left a lasting impact on students and fellow educators. "We extend our deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this loss. Dr. Boomer was more than a teacher—he was a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength and inspiration in the halls of Castlemont. His legacy will live on in the school community and in the countless lives he helped shape. "Today, the seniors he worked so closely with will walk the stage and receive their diplomas at Castlemont's Commencement Exercise. School staff, families, and the District will celebrate our students' accomplishments with love and excitement just as Dr. Boomer always did, while still holding Dr. Boomer and his family in our hearts." First responders at the scene of a fatal crash of a vehicle into pedestrians near the corner of 12th Avenue and East 21st Street in Oakland, May 29, 2025. KPIX / Stringer The CHP said the pursuit of the vehicle had ended just seconds before the crash. Following the crash, the driver ran from the scene but was quickly caught and arrested. He was identified as 18-year-old Eric Scott Hernandez-Garcia of Oakland. Officers were pursuing his vehicle because it was wanted in connection with a felony evading incident involving the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, the CHP said. A vigil for Boomer was being organized for Friday evening at the site of the fatal crash. The deadly collision happened just days after Oakland's police chief called for more authority to chase violent suspects. The current policy requires officers to end a chase if speeds reach 50 miles per hour, unless approved by a commander.
