Oakland Mother of 3 Shot and Killed While Protecting Her Children

Chyemil Pierce, 30, was struck and killed by a stray bullet after a shootout broke out in front of her home in Oakland, CA, at around 4:45pm on Monday evening. Pierce, who was a human resources specialist at Kaiser Permanente, one of California's largest healthcare providers, leaves behind three children: a nine-year-old daughter, seven-year-old son, and a one-year-old infant.

Reports say that Pierce was arriving home after work with her two older children when a fight erupted in the street. Her youngest child was not with her at the time. The fight escalated into a shootout, with witnesses stating they heard as many as 50 shots being fired. Pierce was struck as she commanded that her children take cover by going to the back of the house. Her children were not physically harmed.

"She was my baby sister," Aushaunti Pierce, the victim's older sister told InsideBayArea.com. "An exceptional mother who'd do anything for her children. So loved."

A 911 call was placed by neighbors 13 minutes before Chyemil Pierce was shot, but officers were not immediately dispatched to the scene.

Two teenaged boys were also shot and wounded. Police are investigating whether or not they were linked to Pierce's killing as well, but so far police have not made any arrests. The Oakland Police Department is offering a $20,000 reward for information about the shooting that could lead to an arrest. Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3821 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.

A memorial fund has been set up to cover funeral costs for the family of Pierce. The Chyemil Pierce Memorial Fund is account no. 2923997700 at Wells Fargo Bank. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo branch.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Chyemil Pierce at this time.