OAKLAND — Two men have been convicted of second degree murder for killing an 18-year-old woman while allegedly attempting to shoot one another, in what prosecutors described as a dispute between pimps.
Silas-Omari Bryant, 33, and Derrick McIntyre, 49, were both convicted after being tried jointly under the theory that they shot at each other on May 22, 2024, killing 18-year-old Bre’Elle Vercher in the process. Prosecutors say that Vercher was being trafficked by Bryant and fought another sex worker over a dispute involving stolen property, prompting the second woman to bring her pimp — McIntyre — into the disagreement.
During the confrontation, McIntyre and Bryant allegedly threatened to kill one another repeatedly, and Bryant posted video of Vercher fighting the woman on social media. The two men allegedly continued to call and threaten each other, with Bryant telling McIntyre he would kill him and the woman Vercher had fought.
“I’m prepared,” McIntyre allegedly responded.
Later, Bryant allegedly donned a ski mask and waited for them on West MacArthur Boulevard, opening fire on the vehicle as it passed by, prompting McIntyre to return fire. Prosecutors say McIntyre drove away, readied himself, then shot up Bryant’s occupied car. Vercher was shot during this round.
After Bryant dropped Vercher off at a hospital in San Francisco, he allegedly urinated onto his own hands to erase the trace of gunshot residue. Despite this precaution, prosecutors were able to tie him to the shooting through witness testimony and digital evidence, according to court records.
The initial investigation was hampered because police had to figure out where the shooting took place. Authorities believe Bryant took Vercher to a hospital in another jurisdiction to throw off detectives.
Both men are set to be sentenced on Dec. 1. Their attorneys didn’t respond to a request for comment Thursday. Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson issued a brief statement praising the jury’s work.
An online fundraiser for Vercher said she had plans to start college just a few months from the time of her murder.