Alameda neighborhood in shock after family murdered

ALAMEDA — Police say a husband shot and killed his entire family and in-laws in his Alameda home Wednesday night, and investigators say four people died, including a 6-year-old boy.

A one-year-old child was fighting for his life Thursday evening.

The incident happened around 9 p.m. Wednesday on Kitty Hawk Road in Alameda. Neighbors are in shock and disbelief.

Many residents in the neighborhood thought the gunshots heard that night were fireworks. Then the police started arriving and the horrific details of what had happened began to unfold.

“It was a family of two children. Two boys like us,” said a neighbor named Diane.

She lives a few doors down from the house where a mother, her two sons and her parents were shot dead.

“Last night, while all this was going on, we went outside and someone told us to come in, there was an active shooter,” Diane said. “I said, ‘Oh my God, this is William’s house! What do you mean there’s an active shooter?’ I went in and grabbed my baby. It was terrifying.”

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Neighbors and friends identified William as the 6-year-old boy who was killed in the home. Those who knew him are still trying to figure out how a father could open fire on his family.

“When someone finally got arrested, my husband said, ‘It’s Shane,’” Diane said. “I couldn’t believe it. We were in shock. In complete shock. We thought a stranger had come into that house. We didn’t even think about that, that it could be him.”

Police say the stepfather managed to get out of the house to get help from a neighbor. When officers arrived, they arrested Shane Killian, 54.

“This is a sad and tragic incident,” Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi said. “And I will say this: These are the actions of a coward.”

A wake was held Thursday at an Alameda beach for those who knew the family. People, including William’s school friend, also stopped by the home to leave flowers, cards and candles at a memorial service. Coach Ray brought a bat and let William have his last game ball.

“Just hug your kids tonight and give them a big hug,” Coach Ray said. “Hug your brother, hug your sister. I lost a sister. I know how everybody feels in this situation. There’s so many people. Wow. It really sucks.”

Police have not released a motive for the crime, but say they are talking to the suspect to find out what led to the tragedy.

As a mother, Diane cannot imagine the horror the family experienced in the final moments of their lives.

“Unbelievable,” she said. “Imagine what they must be thinking. Why is this happening to their mother? Why is their father trying to hurt me?”