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23h ago

Oakland Man Convicted of Murder and Torture in Death of Artist Zoe Reidy Watts

The verdict ends the trial’s guilt phase after prosecutors relied on autopsy findings and prior abuse reports and sends the case to a September sentencing hearing.

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Apartment door of Frieson with bloodstains, where he attacked Watts, Image 2 shows Zoe Reidy Watts, a young woman with curly brown hair, standing outside with one hand in her pocket, Image 3 shows Mugshot of Victor Tyrone Frieson III, convicted of murder, torture, and domestic violence
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Overview

  • An Alameda County jury found Victor Tyrone Frieson III guilty of second-degree murder, torture and corporal injury on Tuesday after roughly two weeks of deliberations.
  • Prosecutors say Frieson assaulted Zoe Nika Reidy Watts in his Oakland apartment on March 1, 2024, and an autopsy showed broken ribs, lacerations and both fresh and older bruises that the district attorney called catastrophic.
  • Evidence at trial established the pair had an on-again, off-again relationship of less than a year and included two prior reported domestic violence incidents and a prior report to police by Reidy Watts.
  • Frieson testified in his own defense while his lawyers conceded past domestic violence but denied he committed murder or torture.
  • Frieson is due to be sentenced on Sept. 17, 2026, and the verdict has resonated with Reidy Watts’ family and the Bay Area arts community as the legal process moves to determining punishment.