Suspects in Kevin Nishita killing take plea deals

Three men charged in the 2021 murder of the retired police officer accept plea bargains before trial.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The three men charged in the killing of retired police officer Kevin Nishita have accepted plea deals. Laron Marques Gilbert, who was accused of the murder, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and could face up to 30 years in prison. The other two suspects, Shadihia Mitchell and Hershel Hale, pleaded no contest to robbery with gang enhancements.

Why it matters

The killing of Kevin Nishita, who was working as a security guard for a news crew in Oakland, sparked outrage and highlighted the dangers that journalists and media personnel can face. The plea deals bring some closure to the case, though Nishita's widow expressed mixed emotions about the outcome.

The details

According to reports, the three men were attempting to steal camera equipment from the news crew when the shooting occurred on November 24, 2021. Laron Marques Gilbert, 31, was the alleged shooter and has now pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. The other two suspects, Shadihia Mitchell and Hershel Hale, pleaded no contest to robbery with gang enhancements.

  • The shooting occurred on November 24, 2021.
  • The plea deals were accepted on February 7, 2026, just before the trial was set to begin.

The players

Laron Marques Gilbert

A 31-year-old man who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the killing of Kevin Nishita.

Shadihia Mitchell

One of the three men charged in the killing of Kevin Nishita, who pleaded no contest to robbery with gang enhancements.

Hershel Hale

One of the three men charged in the killing of Kevin Nishita, who pleaded no contest to robbery with gang enhancements.

Kevin Nishita

A retired police officer who was working as a security guard for a television news team in Oakland when he was shot and killed during an attempted robbery.

Virginia Nishita

The widow of Kevin Nishita, who expressed mixed emotions about the plea deals.

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What they’re saying

“I'm numb with exhaustion. I've been faithfully in these courtrooms for for four years.”

— Virginia Nishita, Widow of Kevin Nishita (KTVU)

“I can't say that I'm happy, because this is not a joyful occasion. Kevin will never come home.”

— Virginia Nishita, Widow of Kevin Nishita (KTVU)

What’s next

Laron Marques Gilbert is expected to be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for the first-degree murder of Kevin Nishita.

The takeaway

The plea deals in the killing of Kevin Nishita bring some closure to the case, but also highlight the ongoing dangers that journalists and media personnel can face while doing their jobs. The tragedy has left Nishita's widow feeling numb and conflicted about the outcome.