Boogaloo Man Gets Life for Courthouse Shooting

OAKLAND, CA – Robert Alvin Justus Jr. will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted today of aiding and abetting the murder of Protective Services Officer Dave Patrick Underwood. The shooting, a brazen drive-by attack on the federal courthouse in Oakland back in May 2020, also left another officer wounded. Justus, the driver, played a key role in facilitating the deadly act, delivering Steven Carrillo to the scene and providing cover for the attack.

Federal prosecutors meticulously laid out the case, proving Justus wasn’t just a bystander but an active participant in a calculated assault. He provided the means for Carrillo to carry out the shooting, a fact the jury clearly didn’t dispute. The evidence painted a picture of a man deeply embedded in the extremist “Boogaloo” movement – a far-right anti-government group anticipating a second civil war – and willing to act on its violent ideology.

The attack unfolded late one evening as Officer Underwood was guarding the courthouse. Carrillo opened fire from a vehicle driven by Justus, unleashing a hail of bullets that tragically ended Underwood’s life. The surviving officer, though wounded, managed to return fire, initiating a chaotic scene that quickly drew a massive law enforcement response. The feds immediately launched a full-scale investigation, piecing together the events leading up to the shooting and identifying Justus and Carrillo as the perpetrators.

The investigation quickly revealed the disturbing connection between Justus and Carrillo – their shared devotion to the Boogaloo cause. Investigators uncovered online activity and communications that demonstrated their planning and coordination, confirming this wasn’t a random act of violence but a deliberate attack fueled by extremist beliefs. Ballistics evidence and eyewitness accounts further solidified the case against Justus, leaving little room for doubt about his involvement.

Justus’s defense attempted to downplay his role, arguing he was unaware of Carrillo’s intentions. But the prosecution successfully argued that Justus’s actions – driving Carrillo to the courthouse, providing the vehicle, and acting as a getaway driver – were integral to the success of the attack. The jury saw through the defense’s attempts to distance Justus from the violence, delivering a swift and decisive guilty verdict.

With the conviction secured, Justus now faces a mandatory life sentence. The feds intend to ensure he spends his remaining years paying for his role in the death of Officer Underwood. This case serves as a stark warning: those who enable violence, particularly when motivated by extremist ideologies, will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The family of Officer Underwood deserves closure, and this conviction offers a measure of it, though nothing can truly replace their loss.

The fallout from the shooting continues. Authorities are still investigating other potential members of the Boogaloo network, seeking to dismantle the group and prevent future acts of violence. This case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over domestic extremism and the threat it poses to law enforcement and the public.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for next month, where the judge will formally impose the life sentence. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, ensuring the public remains informed about the pursuit of justice in this disturbing episode.