Oakland murder suspect is a longtime educator, coach for East Bay schools

OAKLAND — The suspect in a fireworks-party homicide is a longtime educator and sports coach who spent the past decade with the Oakland Unified School District, according to court records.

Dwane Stewart, 41, lost a recent bid for freedom that painted the July 4 shooting death of 37-year-old Tim Conover as an aberration, possibly sparked by Conover’s aggression, in Stewart’s otherwise peaceful and law-abiding life. But Judge Michael Risher ruled against Stewart’s motion for release, calling it a “close” call but saying that he wanted to protect the public.

“On the one hand, this seems completely out of character for (Stewart). On the other, it appears that he decided, during several minutes of growing rage, to kill his close friend because of a fight they had had nearly a half-hour before; he then acted on this, shooting him repeatedly as he lay helpless on the ground and then walking off,” Risher wrote in court papers. “As he himself argues, his alcohol consumption cannot explain this. He speculates that he was drugged, but there is no evidence of this.”

Stewart’s motion included numerous letters from teachers, the CEO of a youth empowerment foundation, and the principal of Prescott Elementary School, who penned a support note on school letterhead. They describe Stewart as a kind and good-natured man who cares about children.

“While we don’t know the details of what happened in this tragic story, do know that Mr. Stewart never let anybody down at Frick United,” wrote Catherine Cotter, a counselor at the Frick United Academy of Language. “He never once failed to be anything’ short of a wonderful role-model and the best co-worker you could ever ask for. So, so many of our students love and miss him.”

Alameda County prosecutors allege that Stewart killed his longtime friend during a drunken fight at a July 4 celebration. During the fight, Conover called Stewart “my brother” and pleaded with him to sleep it off, at one point telling Stewart that he caused Conover’s head to start bleeding.

“(Expletive) your head,” Stewart allegedly replied. A few minutes later, Stewart allegedly produced a gun.

“(Conover) and (Stewart) fall to the ground, and Victim again tries to get the firearm from Defendant, but Defendant shoots him at close range,” a prosecution motion says. “(Stewart) shoots him again at close range and then proceeds to shoot him in the head approximately 13 times.”

Stewart’s lawyer said Conover had the gun earlier in the confrontation. The incident was captured by a home surveillance camera, according to Oakland police.

The case is still in its early stages. No preliminary hearing has been held and the next court date has been set for Jan. 28, records show.