William Sims, a 28-year-old singer from Oakland, was found beaten and shot on the side of the road in El Sobrante on November 12. His death is now being called a hate crime by police.

Three white men allegedly murdered Sims. Daniel Porter-Kelly was arrested on November 16 and charged. The other two accused, Ray Simons and Daniel Ortega, are still on the run from police.

Contra Costa County investigators believe Sims was targeted near a local pool hall. They claim the singer was bashed, robbed, and subsequently executed while attempting to flee. Porter-Kelly could be facing the death penalty if found guilty.

William Sims was regarded as a talented musician before he passed. He played piano, saxophone, guitar and violin and was well respected in the San Francisco music scene.

“Will was an amazing human being,” friend Brett Murphy told the SF Gate. “He cared for and helped others any chance he got. He always wanted others to be as happy and have as much fun as he was. He made friends with everyone. He was very charismatic.”

Our condolences go out to William Sims and his family. See a tribute post by his cousin below.