Vernika Dunbar, 38, has been charged over the fatal shooting of her sister, reality TV personality Mackayla Paige, in downtown Oakland, California.
Paige, 29, who was known to viewers as “Kash”, was shot shortly after 1.30am on Sunday, October 11, near the intersection of 14th and Harrison streets. She was taken to hospital but later died.
Oakland police said Dunbar was attempting to strike another woman with a pistol during a confrontation involving Paige when the weapon discharged, hitting her sister.
Oakland shooting charges
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Dunbar with involuntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm and firearms offences. She was arrested after the shooting and had initially been identified only as a woman from Richmond.
Police have not disclosed what led to the confrontation or provided further details about the woman Dunbar was allegedly trying to hit. The investigation remains ongoing.
Paige appeared on reality programmes including “Real West Coast Baddies”, “Room H8z” and “Young & Reckless”. Her death prompted tributes from family, friends and viewers, with a memorial forming near the scene of the shooting.
Police officers responding to reports of gunfire found Paige suffering from a gunshot wound. Video shared on social media showed a substantial police presence outside Cave Lounge, close to where the incident took place.
Dunbar’s charges are allegations and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
