Oakland PD has announced an arrest in the hit & run murder of Royce V. Vaughn. Vaughn was the proprietor of the popular KGB Kiteboarding shop that operated out of the Emeryville Marina. Vaughn was intentionally struck and killed back on May 29th mere blocks from his West Oakland home after leaving an unspecified establishment.

Vaughn’s unconscious body was found in the 800 block of 28th Street between San Pablo Avenue and West Street. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. Police issued this Press Release back in June asking for witnesses that may have seen his white 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser the night of the murder. The vehicle was recovered the following morning in East Oakland.

Police are alleging that 24-year-old Ella Coleman of Oakland intentionally struck Vaughn after the two got into a dispute after he allegedly solicited her in an act of prostitution. According to KTVU.com & ContraCostaTimes.com, Vaughn solicited Coleman on San Pablo Avenue and drove her to the 800 block of 28th Street. Vaughn & Coleman got into a dispute possibly over money when Vaughn exited the driver’s side of the vehicle. Coleman reportedly got into the driver’s seat and “intentionally drove over the victim”. Authorities noted that the two did not know each prior to the incident.

Coleman was already in police custody for an unrelated robbery and also has a 2010 felony conviction. Police were able to link Coleman to Vaughn’s death through physical evidence and she reportedly confessed to the crime in an interview with Oakland Police investigators. The Alameda County District Attorney’s office has charged Coleman with murder with an enhancement for using a vehicle as a deadly weapon. She is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and is scheduled to enter a plea on January 11th.

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