Chief: 33 shots exchanged in deadly East Palo Alto shooting

The victim who died was identified as 34-year-old Ralph Fields, a cousin of Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams.

EAST PALO ALTO – Nearly three dozen rounds were fired in a shooting that left one person dead and three others injured Tuesday night at a crowded park in East Palo Alto, police said.

At a news conference Wednesday afternoon, East Palo Alto Interim Police Chief Jeff Liu said two pairs of people exchanged three volleys of gunfire totaling 33 shots.

“We want to emphasize that this was not a random attack of any kind,” Liu said in a statement.

Liu identified the victim who died as Ralph Fields, 34, of East Palo Alto. Fields was a cousin of Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, according to several media reports.

The shooting occurred just after 6 p.m. Tuesday at Jack Farrell Park on the 2500 block of Fordham Street. Many people were present, including a number of children, Liu said.

“Our hearts go out to all of those impacted and traumatized by this incident,” Liu said. “Shooting and violence, especially in parks with kids playing, is completely unacceptable.”

Liu said police have stepped up patrols in the area with the assistance of the Menlo Park Police Department.

Even though the park was filled with people, police do not have many witnesses to the shooting, Liu said. He called on community members to share any information and videos.

“We need to come together as a community and send a message that this type of activity will not be tolerated,” Liu said. “Children and families playing in the parks must feel and be safe. Parks are designed for families and healthy outdoor activities.”

Anyone with information related to the case can contact Acting Cmdr. Angel Sanchez at 650-853-3154. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-409-6792, or email epa@tipnow.org.