Vallejo, California – The tragic death of Sharmell Mitchell, the older sister of the late Willie McCoy, has left the community in mourning and seeking answers. Mitchell, 48, was fatally injured in a collision while attempting to escape a shooting in central Vallejo last week.
Police responded to gunshots at the intersection of Tennessee Street and Vervais Avenue, where they discovered a three-vehicle crash involving a Mercedes-Benz ML350, an Isuzu Trooper, and a Kia Soul. Witnesses reported seeing a black car firing shots at the Isuzu, causing it to flip over and eject Mitchell from the vehicle.
Despite initial confusion over her injuries, Mitchell was taken off life support and passed away last Friday. Her sister’s tragic demise is particularly poignant as she was a vocal advocate for justice following the 2019 shooting of her brother, Willie McCoy, by Vallejo police.
Willie McCoy, who fell asleep in a Taco Bell drive-through with a gun allegedly in his lap, was fatally shot by police officers who fired 55 bullets, hitting him 38 times. The McCoy family reached a $5 million settlement with the city of Vallejo earlier this year, marking one of the largest civil rights settlements in the city’s history.
Mitchell’s death, the 13th homicide in Vallejo this year, comes amidst a surge of violent incidents in the city. The community gathered for a vigil in Mitchell’s honor, only to be disrupted by individuals brandishing guns. Police have not made any arrests in connection with Mitchell’s death, prompting her attorney to appeal for information from the public.
In remembrance of Mitchell and other victims of violence in Vallejo, a vigil will be held at the Vallejo Police Department headquarters. The family seeks closure and justice for Mitchell, urging the community to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation. Prayer and support for Mitchell’s family and children are requested during this difficult time.