Attorney calls for lowering Oakland murder suspect's bail to $40,000

OAKLAND -- The attorney representing Matthew John, 21, who is accused of fatally shooting his half-brother Joshua Hopkins, has cited a potential self-defense argument in an attempt to secure his release from jail. John was arrested last month following the February 22, 2023, shooting incident where 22-year-old Hopkins was killed.

In a motion for bail set at $40,000, deputy public defender Desiree Woods highlighted details from the police investigation suggesting self-defense. According to her filings, witnesses reported that John was physically attacked by Hopkins before the shooting, including being punched, pursued to his car, and having objects thrown at him. Despite these claims, a judge denied the bail motion earlier this month.

Woods also mentioned that John had obtained employment at a moving company and was eager to return to work. The shooting unfolded in a second-floor apartment on Seminary Avenue, where Hopkins was found lying on the sidewalk after an argument with John, moments before the gunfire erupted. Tragically, it was reported that Hopkins’ 3-month-old son witnessed the incident.

Both men are believed to have been visiting Hopkins' ex-girlfriend in the area at the time of the altercation. Complicating matters, John had been on bail for a separate robbery charge involving a $98,000 armed robbery at a jewelry store in Berkeley just prior to the shooting of his half-brother.

Currently, John remains in custody at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin with a no-bail hold and is scheduled to appear in court again on April 22. The case continues to draw attention as legal proceedings unfold and more details emerge.