On May 22, 2023, a heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded at 4555 Bancroft Ave. in East Oakland as a 10-year-old girl was allegedly stabbed to death by her own mother. Neighbors and family were shocked by the news reported by the SF Standard. Although some perspectives suggested the mother had been going through personal and financial struggles, others claimed they never saw any signs of turmoil within the family.

Family and neighbors mourned as the horrible incident spread like wildfire through the media, one of the most devastating aspects being that the girl’s mother seems to be the main suspect in this horrific killing. A Mercury News article relayed how neighbors described the mother and daughter as inseparable; the disbelief was palpable among family members. The mother was found to have self-inflicted stab wounds and remains hospitalized according to KRON4.

The mother, who had a recent history of marital troubles and financial struggles, did not appear to be herself lately. She had been working multiple side hustles including a hotel job she was eventually let go from, as she always wanted to be with her daughter and believed that one day it would be up to her girl to take care of herself.

Neighbors said they heard screams and dogs barking from the apartment where the incident took place, but the motive for the killing remains unreleased. Despite the tragedy, some neighbors mentioned that they were unaware of any issues with the family and saw no indication of any problems.

In trying to piece together the complex puzzle of events, mental health may be a significant facet to consider. Neighbors and acquaintances pointed out that over the past few months, the mother's mental health seemed to be deteriorating and she appeared more and more paranoid. This leads to questions of the role of the healthcare system and the accessibility of mental health resources for individuals struggling with personal issues, especially in low-income communities.