A 26-year-old California man has pleaded guilty to killing his 15-year-old half-brother with a pickaxe in a violent attack that occurred behind their home. Zuberi Sharp admitted to second-degree murder on Monday in connection with the death of Zayde Koehohou, which took place on December 5, 2024, in Newbury Park, California.
The Tragic Incident
On the evening of the murder, Sharp and Zayde were in a converted shed on their family property when their uncle heard a “thud” and went to check on the boys. Upon entering the shed, the uncle found Sharp standing over Zayde, holding a pickaxe. Before authorities arrived, Sharp fled the scene.
The victim’s mother, Jante Koehohou, called 911 at approximately 8 p.m. When deputies arrived, they found Zayde’s mother holding her son in her lap. Zayde, who had cerebral palsy, had suffered severe head injuries from the attack and tragically died before reaching the hospital.
Sharp’s Arrest and Mental Health Concerns
Sharp fled the scene but was later found at a nearby high school, naked and still carrying the pickaxe he had used to kill Zayde. Law enforcement arrested him shortly after.
Reports indicate that Sharp had been experiencing mental health issues at the time of the attack. In fact, earlier on the day of the killing, Sharp had to be rescued from a storm drain. In a later interview with local news, Zayde’s mother said that Sharp “didn’t know what he was doing” and that both her sons loved each other.
Sharp’s father, Calvin Sharp, has a troubling past as a convicted murderer. In 2007, Calvin Sharp was sentenced for killing a 6-year-old boy with a meat cleaver.
Plea and Sentencing
Sharp pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, as well as special circumstances related to the attack on a vulnerable person. He is scheduled for sentencing on May 5.
The Impact of the Crime
This devastating act has left a family mourning the loss of a young boy with special needs and facing the complicated reality of mental health issues within the family. The case highlights the severe consequences of untreated mental illness and the importance of addressing such concerns before they escalate.
