Three Suspects Plead No Contest in Killing of Former Bay Area Cop

Trio to serve lengthy prison sentences for 2021 murder of retired Sergeant Kevin Nishita during Oakland robbery

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Three men charged in the 2021 fatal shooting of retired Bay Area police Sergeant Kevin Nishita have pleaded no contest ahead of a murder trial, prosecutors announced. Nishita was killed while working as a security guard for a TV news crew in downtown Oakland when the suspects tried to steal their camera equipment.

Why it matters

The killing of Sergeant Nishita, a respected law enforcement veteran, sparked outrage in the Bay Area and highlighted the dangers journalists and camera crews face from violent crime while reporting in the field. The plea deals bring some closure to Nishita's family and colleagues.

The details

The accused killer, Laron Gilbert, pleaded no contest to first-degree murder with a gang enhancement, which will result in an expected prison sentence of 30 years to life. Co-defendants Shadihia Mitchell and Hershel Hale each pleaded no contest to robbery and agreed to serve 25-year sentences.

  • On November 24, 2021, Nishita was shot while working as a security guard for a television news crew in downtown Oakland.
  • Gilbert left the Bay Area and evaded authorities until he was arrested in the Kansas City, Missouri area in January 2024.
  • Hale and Mitchell were arrested in 2022.

The players

Laron Gilbert

The accused killer who pleaded no contest to first-degree murder with a gang enhancement.

Shadihia Mitchell

One of the co-defendants who pleaded no contest to robbery and agreed to serve a 25-year sentence.

Hershel Hale

One of the co-defendants who pleaded no contest to robbery and agreed to serve a 25-year sentence.

Kevin Nishita

The retired Bay Area police sergeant who was killed while working as a security guard for a TV news crew.

Ursula Jones Dickson

The Alameda County District Attorney who announced the plea deals.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.