Alameda County District Attorney's Office Announces Rare First-Degree Murder Plea in 2021 Shooting of Former San Jose Police Officer Kevin Nishita.
The plea, made by three individuals accused of being involved in the armed robbery attempt that led to Nishita's fatal shooting, has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked both relief and concern among Nishita's family and supporters.
Kevin Nishita, a former police officer with over 11 years of service, was shot and killed while on assignment as a security guard for KRON4 News in Oakland in 2021. The incident left his wife, Virginia, fighting to get justice for her husband, who had been advocating for better working conditions and protections for journalists.
The plea agreement, which was reached after an extensive investigation that involved over 120 warrants and cellphone evidence, brings a measure of closure to the Nishita family. However, it has also raised questions about the fairness of the deal and whether justice will truly be served.
"I am numb with exhaustion," Virginia Nishita said in a statement. "I have been faithfully in these courtrooms for four years, waiting for this day to come. And here it is. And on sentencing day, will be a step closer to where this nightmare can be over."
The three individuals involved in the plea agreement - Laron Gilbert, 31; Shadihia Mitchell, 29; and Hershel Hale, 28 - have agreed to various sentences, including 30 years to life for Gilbert and 25 years for Mitchell and Hale.
While the plea agreement may not bring complete justice to Nishita's family, it has brought a measure of relief and vindication. "We will forever love you," said friends and fellow officers who remembered Kevin Nishita as a "caring and courageous" person who always had a joyful spirit.
The court is set to hear the sentencing on April 7, where the three individuals involved in the plea agreement will face justice for their roles in Nishita's fatal shooting.
The plea, made by three individuals accused of being involved in the armed robbery attempt that led to Nishita's fatal shooting, has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked both relief and concern among Nishita's family and supporters.
Kevin Nishita, a former police officer with over 11 years of service, was shot and killed while on assignment as a security guard for KRON4 News in Oakland in 2021. The incident left his wife, Virginia, fighting to get justice for her husband, who had been advocating for better working conditions and protections for journalists.
The plea agreement, which was reached after an extensive investigation that involved over 120 warrants and cellphone evidence, brings a measure of closure to the Nishita family. However, it has also raised questions about the fairness of the deal and whether justice will truly be served.
"I am numb with exhaustion," Virginia Nishita said in a statement. "I have been faithfully in these courtrooms for four years, waiting for this day to come. And here it is. And on sentencing day, will be a step closer to where this nightmare can be over."
The three individuals involved in the plea agreement - Laron Gilbert, 31; Shadihia Mitchell, 29; and Hershel Hale, 28 - have agreed to various sentences, including 30 years to life for Gilbert and 25 years for Mitchell and Hale.
While the plea agreement may not bring complete justice to Nishita's family, it has brought a measure of relief and vindication. "We will forever love you," said friends and fellow officers who remembered Kevin Nishita as a "caring and courageous" person who always had a joyful spirit.
The court is set to hear the sentencing on April 7, where the three individuals involved in the plea agreement will face justice for their roles in Nishita's fatal shooting.
. i feel bad for Virginia and her family, it's been a four-year journey and now they're finally getting some closure. but at the same time, 30 years to life is still a looong sentence... can't imagine how hard it must be for them to see their husband and partner get killed in such a senseless way 
. and what about the impact on the community? i mean, kevin was just trying to do his job as a security guard and ended up getting caught in the middle of an armed robbery... it's just wild how that can happen 
. anyway, i guess justice will have to serve its time... but still, 30 years feels like a lifetime 
.
This case has been dragging on for ages! I'm glad to see some progress at last. I've got a buddy who knew Kevin back from his cop days and he's been super vocal about how frustrated the family was with the investigation taking so long. Now that we've got these three facing real-time for their part in it, hopefully it'll bring some peace of mind for VA & the fam 
30 yrs to life for the dude who was involved in the robbery lol u feel me 25 yrs is still way too long but i guess its better than nothin i dont know what's gonna happen on april 7 tho will it b a fair sentence or will it be more of the same lol anyway im just happy its over and they can finally move on 
. The fact that three individuals will receive sentences ranging from 25 years to life is a step in the right direction, but one can't help but wonder if the severity of the punishment matches the gravity of the crime 
. Fingers crossed that the sentencing on April 7 will bring some measure of justice and vindication to Kevin Nishita's memory 
.