It's been three decades since the tragic shooting of 17-year-old Adam Pederson on a Hayward street corner, and the Alameda County Sheriff's Office is making a renewed push to gather information that could lead to a resolution of the case. The teen, known as "Spooky" among his peers, was gunned down in what witnesses described as a drive-by shooting on the evening of July 23, 1995, at the intersection of Princeton Street and Smalley Avenue, as per the Alameda County Sheriff's Office.
COLD CASE ANNIVERSARY pic.twitter.com/5bljqzEacV
— Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) July 24, 2025
According to a social media post by the Alameda County Sheriff, multiple witnesses reported seeing a light brown and tan Buick Regal halt in the middle of the intersection, before a passenger, allegedly opened fire on Pederson. The suspects, described as Hispanic males in their late teens, were said to have quickly fled the scene. The post indicates the assailant leaned out of the vehicle, a popping sound was heard, and then the car sped away.
The authorities have not let the passage of time diminish their commitment to solving this case. The Alameda County Sheriff's Office's Cold Case Hierarchy Unit has been hard at work, but they've recently issued a public call for assistance, encouraging anyone with information, however small or seemingly insignificant, to come forward. In their statement, the law enforcement agency assured confidentiality for those preferring to remain anonymous while still wanting to provide any clue that could help close this long-cold case.
Tipsters have been urged to contact the Cold Case Homicide Unit directly at (510) 667-3661, or if anonymity is preferred, to use the Anonymous Tip Line at (510) 667-3622.
