Murder Charges Filed In Death of TV News Crew Guard

Press release from the Alameda County District Attorney's Office:

Three men charged with murder

OAKLAND, CA — The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office announces charges have been filed in the tragic death of retired police officer and known security guard Kevin Nishita.

Defendants Laron Gilbert, Hershel Hale and Shadihia Mitchell have all been charged with murder, Penal Code section 187(a), attempted second-degree robbery, PC 211, and assault with a semi-automatic firearm, PC 245(b) for the death of Mr. Nishita, who was fatally shot November 24, 2021 in Oakland. Defendant Mitchell was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

“We send our condolences to the family of Mr. Nishita, his former colleagues at the Colma, Hayward and San Jose Police departments and his colleagues in the security business and news media for his tragic and senseless death,” said District Attorney Nancy O’Malley in a statement.

Mr. Nishita was on duty as an armed security guard for news media on Nov. 24, 2021 when the attempted robbery took place on the 300 block of 14th Street in Oakland. Mr. Nishita was shot and died from his injuries days later on Nov. 27, 2021.

Both Defendants Hale and Mitchell have been arrested; Gilbert remains outstanding.

Because this is a pending case, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office will not be making any further comments.

This press release was produced by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.