Plea to help solve Oakland double homicide

Oakland police released new surveillance video and sketches of several men they say were involved in a shooting at a downtown block party that killed two young men. 

The video shows two "persons of interest" calmly walking away from the shooting scene - and passing by several Oakland police officers who are responding to the call. 

"They come around the corner and they just try to blend right in to the crowd," said Oakland police Sgt. Michael Cardoza, the lead investigator. He said he hopes the sketches and the new video will lead to tips. 

"I believe that the community knows who these people are, how they are involved," Cardoza said.

The Aug. 14, 2016 shooting killed Terrence McCrary Jr., 22, and Craig Fletcher-Cooks, 20. Both were Berkeley High graduates.

Both young men were shot and killed while attending the same block party in the 300 block of 15th Street in Oakland. 

VIDEO: Hundreds attend block party in Oakland where two men killed

Fletcher-Cooks was with his girlfriend when a group of suspects in their 20’s grabbed her, according to police. When Fletcher-Cooks stepped in to defend his girlfriend, he was physically assaulted by a group of men inside the Prime Development art gallery at 322 15th St, police said.

Outside, roughly 300 people were on block, located between Harrison and Webster streets, where a chaotic scene broke out. Police re-released a short clip of the scuffle.

As the initial gunshots began, police said the large crowd began running in all directions. A gun was fired and McCrary Jr. was struck by a stray bullet and killed, police said.

There was a third victim, a 24-year-old man, who was shot several times but survived his injurie

Officer Johnna Watson called the deaths a "tragic loss" for the community and police and relatives want to identify and locate those responsible.

In a statement provided by police, the McCrary family wrote: “Terrence was a thoughtful, warm, loving son, brother, and friend. He was a talented skateboarder and aspiring artist. His death leaves a void in the lives of his family, friends and artist community.”

Through tears, Mary Cazden, Fletcher-Cooks' foster mother, said, "He had the whole world in front of him. We're really hurting. Definitely, any tips you could bring would be very helpful."

Oakland Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick said, 'These family and friends are hurting. They deserve justice, and they deserve closure."

Oakland police homicide investigators are requesting the community’s assistance and encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to call (510) 238-3821 or the TIP LINE at (510) 238-7950.

Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.