The Trustees and Staff of the Youth Ventures Joint Powers Authority mourn with Oakland City Councilmember and JPA Trustee Lynette McElhaney and her husband Clarence McElhaney, on the loss of their son Victor McElhaney, a victim of gun violence, on Sunday March 10, 2019 while away at school. Victor McElhaney was a talented jazz drummer, artist, and mentor who was studying at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music in Los Angeles. The JPA Trustees send their condolences and support to the McElhaney family during this unbelievably difficult time.

Councilmember McElhany authored a statement on the death of her son, and we offer it here in its entirety:

“It is with the utmost sadness that I share with you the tragic news that my son, Victor McElhaney, was slain last night in a senseless act of violence,” the councilwoman said in a statement Sunday night.

“Victor was a 21-year-old senior at USC Thornton School of Music, where he was pursuing his lifelong love of music with some of the greats. Victor was a son of Oakland. He was a musician who drew his inspiration from the beat, soul, and sound of the Town and he belonged in every nook and cranny of Oakland.

“I miss my baby. Please keep me, my family, and all of my son’s friends in your thoughts and prayers. We are beginning a new chapter in this reoccurring circle of violence,” she added. “And it will take all of us together to make it through this tragedy. Arrangements for services in Oakland will be made as soon as Victor is brought home.”

The McElhaney family held a viewing for Victor McElhaney on Friday, March 22 at the Harris Funeral Home Legacy Center. A Memorial service followed on Saturday, March 23 at the Auditorium at Oakland Temple Hill.

Rest in Peace, Victor McElhaney (April, 13, 1997 to March 10, 2019)

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