Man Convicted of Torturing, Murdering Artist Girlfriend

Victor Frieson, 30, has been found guilty of the murder and torture of his girlfriend, 25-year-old artist Zoe Nika Reidy Watts. The Alameda County District Attorney's Office announced the conviction for second-degree murder, torture, and corporal injury with great bodily harm. Prosecutors stated Frieson assaulted Watts in his Oakland apartment, causing fatal injuries.

The violent attack reportedly occurred on March 1, 2024, after the couple returned from dinner. Court records cited by the East Bay Times suggest surveillance video captured Watts attempting to flee the apartment before Frieson allegedly pulled her back inside.

Evidence presented during the trial indicated their relationship was tumultuous, with two prior domestic violence incidents reported within less than a year. Watts, known also as Nika Killa Watts, was a ceramicist and poet remembered for her creativity and positive impact on the Bay Area artistic community.

District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson highlighted Watts's lost potential and expressed hope that the verdict brings a measure of accountability and peace to her loved ones and the community. Frieson's sentencing is scheduled for September 17.