BERKELEY — Two suspects were arrested by a Berkeley police SWAT team one day after a 20-year-old man was murdered. The victim was fatally shot to death while driving last week.
This shooting happened March 20th at 12:20 p.m. on Chestnut Street, close to University Avenue. The fatally wounded man crashed into a parked car after a burst of gunfire.
When first responders arrived, he was found slumped over in the driver’s seat—not breathing. Despite efforts by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His younger sister who was riding with him in the passenger seat was not shot.
Witnesses reported seeing a car fleeing from the area immediately after the shooting took place. Investigators worked the case through the night—to identify and locate the two suspects.
With warrants in hand, Berkeley officers traveled to a Richmond residence to arrest a man and a woman on March 21. They were taken into custody without further incident.
Hosea Askew, 52 was booked on suspicion of first-degree murder. Askew is being housed at Berkeley City Jail ineligible for release on bond, pending his arraignment on March 24.
Also arrested, Mercedes G. Askew, 62, was booked on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact. Bond for her release from custody was set at $20,000.
In a prepared statement Berkeley police noted this case remains under investigation. Anyone with information can call the homicide unit at 510-981-5741.
