Murder Conviction Returned after a California jury found Victor Frieson, 30, guilty in connection with the death of Oakland artist Zoe Nika Reidy Watts. The verdict followed weeks of testimony and concluded a criminal case involving allegations of fatal domestic violence that began in March 2024.
The jury convicted Frieson of second-degree murder, torture, and corporal injury to a spouse causing great bodily injury. The convictions relate to the death of 25-year-old Reidy Watts, who prosecutors said suffered catastrophic injuries during an assault inside Frieson’s Oakland apartment.
According to prosecutors, the attack occurred around midnight on March 1, 2024, after the couple returned from a dinner date. Authorities alleged that Frieson assaulted Reidy Watts inside the apartment, causing injuries that ultimately resulted in her death.
Court evidence included surveillance video that allegedly captured Reidy Watts attempting to escape the apartment during the incident. Prosecutors said the footage showed Frieson pulling her back inside before the assault continued.
Evidence presented during the trial also described the couple’s relationship. Prosecutors said they had been involved in an on-again, off-again relationship for less than one year. During that period, authorities documented two reported domestic violence incidents involving the couple.
Reidy Watts was an artist, ceramicist, and poet based in Oakland. She met Frieson in 2023 while attending San Francisco State University, where their relationship began.
Beyond her academic work, Reidy Watts served as a technician at Clayroom SF, a ceramics studio where she developed her artistic practice. Following her death in 2024, the studio shared a public tribute celebrating her creativity, kindness, and enthusiasm for both art and the people around her.
The tribute described her work as drawing inspiration from nature’s healing and ethereal qualities. According to the statement, she created large abstract ceramic pieces resembling amoebic structures. Those works encouraged viewers to reflect on resilience within the microscopic natural world.
The studio also remembered Reidy Watts as someone deeply valued by colleagues, students, and community members. The statement described her as creative, compassionate, and energetic while recognizing the lasting impact she made on those around her.
Following the verdict, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson reflected on Reidy Watts’ life and accomplishments. She described the victim as a talented artist, dedicated student, and young woman whose future held significant promise. The district attorney also acknowledged that no court decision could undo the loss experienced by her family, friends, and the Bay Area artistic community. However, she expressed hope that the verdict would provide a measure of accountability and peace.
Frieson remains scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 17. The court will determine his punishment based on the convictions returned by the jury after the conclusion of the trial.
Murder Conviction Returned marks the latest development in a case that drew attention because of the serious charges and the evidence presented during trial. The verdict closes the trial phase while leaving sentencing as the final major step in the criminal proceedings.
