3 Convicted In Fatal Shooting Of Retired Bay Area Officer: DA

OAKLAND, CA — Three men were convicted Friday in connection with the fatal shooting of a retired police officer in Oakland more than four years ago, prosecutors said.

Laron Gilbert, 31, pled guilty to first-degree murder for shooting and killing retired San Jose Police Officer Kevin Nishita on Nov. 24, 2021, according to the Alameda District Attorney's Office.

Shadihia Mitchell, 29, and Hershel Hale, 28, who authorities say played a role in the fatal shooting, were convicted of robbery and additional sentencing enhancements.

On the day of his shooting, Nishita was working as a security guard for KRON4 and was outside an Oakland business with the news crew when Gilbert, Mitchell and Hale showed up, according to authorities.

At some point, the trio tried to rob a reporter's camera equipment, when Nishita stepped in to stop them, Gilbert shot him, authorities said.

Following the shooting, Nishita was taken to a local hospital, where he died just a few days later, according to authorities.

“The resolution of this case is both extraordinary and rare,” said DA Ursula Jones Dickson, adding that prosecutors had an "airtight case."

Alameda District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson said in a statement that Gilbert's decision to plead guilty to first-degree murder "reflects the strength of the case that was built by my office and the Oakland Police Department."

In addition to pleading guilty to first-degree murder, Gilbert agreed to a sentencing of 30 years to life in state prison, Jones Dickson said.

Mitchell and Hale, meanwhile, face 25 years in state prison during sentencing on April 7, authorities said.

Nishita worked with the San Jose Police Department from 2001 through 2012, where he worked as a detective in the gang investigations unit and the gaming/vice unit.

The agency described him in a previous press release as someone who "modeled bravery, kindness, and dedication."

"His contagious smile, passion to serve others, and an unmatched work ethic embodied the best of all of us," the department said in 2021.