2 People Dead In Lake Merritt; Homicide Probed In Woman's Death

OAKLAND, CA — Four Oakland Police officers jumped into Lake Merritt before dawn Thursday in an effort to save a drowning man. The victim was pulled from the water and given CPR, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A woman was found later in Lake Merritt. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims have been identified as 39-year-old Michael Grace, and 24-year-old Tayana Johnson.

The rescue effort began at 4:15 a.m. when police received a call reporting there were two people who appeared to be drowning. Both police and the Oakland and Fire Department responded to the scene. The San Francisco Fire Department dive team also assisted.

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Investigators say Grace and Johnson were dating and had gotten into some kind of physical altercation. They're investigating Johnson's death as a homicide, but say that Grace's death appears to be accidental.

The investigation continues. If you have any information about this case, call the Oakland Police Department Homicide Division at 510-238-3821.

— Bay City News contributed to this report; Image via Oakland Police