Names released of trio charged in Kevin Nishita slaying

An arraignment is set for Friday for the man police believe shot Kevin Nishita as he was guarding a news crew in Oakland in November, leading to Nishita’s death, Alameda County prosecutors said Thursday.

Shadihia Mitchell, 25, is scheduled to be arraigned at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin. Mitchell is being held without bail in Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of murder, among other charges.

Police said they consider Mitchell, 24-year-old Hershel Hale, and 27-year-old Laron Gilbert responsible for Nishita’s death. The names of all three were released Thursday by police, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

Gilbert is still at-large, and police consider him dangerous. Anyone who sees Gilbert is asked to call 911.

Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong said to reporters at a news conference Thursday afternoon on Zoom:

We believe these are the three individuals responsible for this heinous crime.”

Armstrong was very appreciative for the help his officers received from the public in the case. Help came from people in and outside of Oakland, Armstrong said.

Nishita was a retired police officer. He was shot Nov. 24 in the 300 block of 14th Street in Oakland as he was on duty for a KRON4 news crew. He was armed.

Mitchell, Hale and Gilbert have all been charged with murder, prosecutors said.

All three are thought to be criminal street gang members out of San Francisco, Oakland Police Lt. Frederick Shavies said.

Mitchell was arrested Wednesday in San Francisco by San Francisco police and the U.S. Marshals Service. Hale was in a San Francisco jail when the murder charge was brought against him, Armstrong said.

Law enforcement officials are seeking the public’s help in locating Gilbert, Armstrong said.

Mitchell, Hale and Gilbert have also been charged with attempted second-degree robbery, assault with a semi-automatic firearm and a special allegation of felony murder, Assistant Alameda County District Attorney Michael Nieto said.

Shavies said each suspect has prior felony convictions.

Gilbert was in custody months ago on a parole violation, but the police investigation was not far enough along to charge him, Armstrong said:

But I really do believe it won’t be long before we apprehend him.”

Earlier, police released video of the Acura thought to be associated with the shooting.

Armstrong said:

… video evidence was instrumental in identifying the vehicle and the individuals associated with the vehicle.”

Police said they are still investigating whether the suspects were involved in previous news crew robberies.