Suspect in Jail for 2 Murders in September at Bayfair 24-Hour Fitness
Photo: Stock Image
SAN LEANDRO — Attempted carjackings and robberies turned deadly at Bayfair 24-Hour Fitness. A 23-year-old suspect is in jail for allegedly murdering two victims in the gym parking lot. SLPD arrested Joshua E. Ballard, a resident of San Leandro, on October 17 at 2:20 p.m.
Ballard is behind bars at Alameda County Santa Rita Jail, presently ineligible for release on bond. The suspect faces charges including murder, attempted carjacking, robbery, assault with a firearm, and other firearm-related charges.
Two victims were shot, and shell casings were found inside their vehicles. Both victims were discovered in the early morning hours inside their vehicles. One victim was killed September 14, and the second person was killed on September 24.
San Leandro detectives reviewed surveillance video from nearby businesses. The suspect wore similar clothing in both instances, including black work boots with distinctive metallic shoelace keepers.
The suspect traveled the same route when leaving the gym on Floresta Boulevard, northbound on Hesperian Boulevard, turning west onto Halcyon Drive. The suspect wore a red Nike-brand backpack when the first victim was shot.
Images of the suspect were circulated among patrol officers and nearby law enforcement agencies. A patrol officer responding to an unrelated call spotted the suspect walking in the vicinity of the gym. Additional units responded and Ballard was placed under arrest, while in possession of a semiautomatic handgun. His residence was subsequently searched—yielding more evidence against him.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about these homicides can contact SLPD Detective Cole Pricco at 510-588-3244.
