Man charged with murder after fatal dog walking shooting

In San Leandro, California, on June 14, 2025, police responded to reports of a person on the ground near Euclid Avenue and East 14th Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Ryan Christie, a 47-year-old local resident, who was found deceased with a gunshot wound in his back. His dog was still attached to his leash, indicating an apparent struggle or sudden attack. Emergency personnel declared Christie dead at the crime scene, marking this incident as the city's first homicide of the year. The tragedy unfolded around 11 p.m. the previous night, approximately seven hours before police arrived. Following the initial investigation, authorities identified Andre Williams, a 49-year-old San Leandro man, as the suspect in the shooting. Police were able to locate Williams at an apartment complex on Pavilion Parkway in Tracy. During the course of the investigation, officers executed search warrants at two additional properties associated with Williams, where they recovered further evidence related to the case. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office subsequently filed murder charges against him. Williams is currently being detained without bail at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California. As of now, law enforcement officials continue to examine the circumstances leading to the shooting, looking into potential motives and connections between Williams and Christie. The loss of Christie has raised concerns in the community, emphasizing the issue of safety for dog walkers and the unpredictability of violence in seemingly routine situations. In light of this tragic event, local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant while out in public, particularly during early morning or late-night hours. The city plans to enhance community outreach and support dog owners in the area, advocating for initiatives that focus on safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.