Murder Charge Dropped In Case of Richmond Realtor Who Shot Romantic Rival

Alameda County prosecutors dropped the murder charges against Terryan McDowell, a Richmond realtor, after he shot Darnell Parker on January 15, 2025. McDowell claimed self-defense, stating Parker threatened him during an altercation at the apartment of a woman they both dated. The shooting occurred after Parker refused to leave the apartment and returned demanding money from the woman. Following the incident, McDowell fled but later turned himself in, fearing he had been set up. Prosecutors indicated they could not prove the shooting was not an act of self-defense, leading to the dismissal of charges.

Parker's mother voiced concerns about the investigation's thoroughness during a court hearing, calling for accountability. Judge Kimberly Colwell acknowledged the family's grief but stated the lack of evidence necessitated the case's dismissal. Charges were filed shortly after a new district attorney took office, highlighting the case's local significance.