LARON GILBERT CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEADLY SHOOTING OF KEVIN NISHITA
Conviction Includes Multiple Sentencing Enhancements
February 6, 2026
Oakland, CA — Today, District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office secured convictions against Laron Gilbert (31), Shadihia Mitchell (29), and Hershel Hale (28) for the shooting death of retired San Jose Police Officer Kevin Nishita.
Mr. Gilbert pled guilty to first-degree murder, including sentencing enhancements. He faces a term of 30 years to life in state prison.
Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Hale were convicted of robbery and additional sentencing enhancements. They are both to be sentenced to 25 years in state prison.
“The resolution of this case is both extraordinary and rare,” said DA Ursula Jones Dickson. “That defendant Laron Gilbert pled guilty to 1st degree murder and agreed to be sentenced to 30 years to life reflects the strength of the case that was built by my office and the Oakland Police Department. Deputy District Attorney Allyson Donovan and our inspectors’ division deserve special recognition for their efforts to make this case airtight.”
On November 24, 2021, Kevin Nishita was working as a security guard for a local TV news crew outside a business in Oakland when he was gunned down while attempting to prevent a reporter from being robbed of camera equipment.
“We stand with the Nishita family as they continue to live with the loss of their loved one. We are and will continue to fight for victims of crime to see that justice is done,” explained DA Jones Dickson.
Laron Gilbert, Shadihia Mitchell, and Hershel Hale will be sentenced on April 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., in Department 713 at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org