DA: California mayor's stolen gun used in murder of 13-year-old
STOCKTON, Calif. -- A gun stolen from Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva's home was linked to several crimes, including the killing of a 13-year-old, according to the District Attorney's office.
The Beretta pistol, which is in the Stockton Police Department's possession as evidence, was used in the Feb. 15, 2015 in a drive-by shooting which killed 13-year-old Rayshawn Harris, according to KTXL. According to officials, Harris was standing in front of his home on South Sacramento Street around 7 a.m. when he was fatally shot.
There were no suspects identified in the shooting, but the investigation showed the shell casings were ejected from the stolen weapon. A witness described the shooter as an African-American man wearing a gray sweater and white shoes.
The weapon, a .40 caliber Beretta Px4 Storm semi-automatic pistol which was reported stolen from Silva's house two months after the shooting, was also used in two other criminal investigations.
Silva responded to FOX40 via text message Friday evening saying he's heartbroken over the news.
"I feel terrible and I feel sick to my stomach. Obviously this was my worst possible fear. I will be in shock for a long time. It's a horrible tragedy that will that will be on my mind and in my prayers forever. I will reach out to the family and do whatever I can. I have not been provided any details yet, so I only can react to what the news is claiming. Everyone please pray for Stockton."
According to a release by the District Attorney's office, Silva reported the weapon stolen March 22, 2015 after reporting his home was burglarized. In addition to the pistol, Silva reported that a 100 quart cooler, a generator, a laser printer, camera and video game counsel were stolen.
The Beretta was also used Jan. 15, 2015 in a drive-by shooting at a home on East Church Street. The two residents in the home were not injured. Officials said eight .40 caliber and six 9 mm casings, which were fired by the stolen pistol, were recovered at the scene.
The weapon was recovered June 9, 2016 after Stockton Police responded to a domestic violence call on Treetop Drive.
Officials are still investigating the cases, and encourage anyone with information call the Stockton Police Department at (209)937-8377.