A former NFL player was shot and killed Wednesday evening in his backyard, police said.

Terrell Roberts, 38, was shot around 4:15 p.m. at a home in the 1200 block of Fascination Circle he shared with his grandmother, Richmond police Sgt. Enrik Melgoza said.

"Officers located a victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest in the backyard of a residence," Melgoza said.

Roberts was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe he got into a confrontation with someone before the shooting.

"It appears that the victim and suspect engaged in an altercation in front of the home and garage area, which lead to the shooting," the sergeant said. "And the victim after being shot stumbled into the backyard of the residence."


Police are still searching for Roberts' killer and say a motive is unknown or whether the two were acquaintances.

"It appears that they possibly knew each other," Melgoza said. "Targeted, can't say at the time. That's all still under investigation."

Roberts attended El Cerrito High School and Oregon State University and was with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2003 to 2005.

"He's a homegrown kid. You know, going to El Cerrito High, getting a scholarship to play football and living out his dream. Making it to the NFL," Melgoza said.

On Twitter, Oregon State football coach Johnathan Smith wrote, "I'm crushed to hear the news of the passing of my teammate and friend Terrell Roberts. Prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time."

Throughout the day on Thursday, a steady stream of well-wishers stopped by Roberts' home offering condolences.

A woman who described herself as the victim's aunt said Roberts was a great guy.

Darla Ford said, "An excellent father. A great guy, loving grandson, loving son. I don't know. He's just a good good good person and this should not have happened to him."

KTVU's Henry Lee learned that the victim's 13-year-old son was at home at the time of the shooting.

Neighbor Victor Gee said the shooting has shattered the sense of calm in the normally peaceful part of Richmond with scenic views of the Bay.

"I can't believe it. Nothing ever happens in this neighborhood," Gee said. "It's just a quiet more family-oriented neighborhood. Everyone seems to know everyone. "