OAKLAND — A Bay Space man has accepted a plea deal and a 21-year jail time period within the deadly taking pictures of an acquaintance who allegedly gave him counterfeit money in a deal for a semi-automatic pistol, court docket information present.
Edwin “Scooby” McNeal, 59, pleaded no contest to manslaughter within the Could 24, 2019 taking pictures loss of life of Charles “Chuck” Crutcher, 50, and was sentenced final month to 21 years in jail, court docket information present. McNeal shot Crutcher shortly after Crutcher arrived at a house on the 10300 block of Foothill Boulevard in Oakland, the place McNeal had allegedly spent the day smoking crack cocaine with the one two eyewitnesses to the taking pictures.
One of many residence’s residents testified at McNeal’s preliminary listening to that McNeal known as and texted Crutcher repeatedly to return to the residence. He denied realizing something a few “gun for dope” transaction between the 2 males, however stated the explanation McNeal wished to see Crutcher was “perhaps one thing which may have been a little bit unlawful.” The opposite roommate advised authorities that McNeal shot Crutcher as a result of he was indignant about how a gun deal went, an Oakland police murder investigator testified.
McNeal allegedly texted Crutcher, “Chuck them two payments was faux. I obtained the 40 clock (sic),” which police consider was a reference to a .40 caliber Glock pistol. One of many residence’s residents testified McNeal stated, “large, unhealthy Chuck” earlier than fatally taking pictures Crutcher. Authorities say McNeal additionally searched on-line for “Chuck killed in Oakland” after the taking pictures. .
McNeal confronted a life sentence beneath California’s three-strikes regulation, however prevented that by the plea deal.
When McNeal was arrested in Fresno after the murder, police testified he made an “unsolicited remark” which may clarify his motive.
“An individual can’t be going round promoting medication, doing issues to individuals, and belittling individuals who assist them making an attempt to get your cash,” McNeal allegedly stated. “Lots of people should not enjoying and also you’ll get knocked down”