Lartey Solomon, a Bay Area nurse known online as “Nurse Solomon,” was fatally shot after an alleged robbery attempt in downtown Oakland.
OAKLAND, Calif. — Lartey Solomon, a 33-year-old registered nurse and health influencer known as “Nurse Solomon” on TikTok, was shot and killed May 31 during an alleged robbery in downtown Oakland, according to prosecutors who have charged a Vallejo man with murder.
Solomon’s death has drawn attention across the Bay Area and among his online followers, who knew him for short videos about health care, nursing and everyday medical questions. Prosecutors say the case has moved quickly, with an arrest made within days of the shooting. The killing has also left a family grieving the loss of a father, son and brother while a criminal case moves through the Alameda County court system.
Authorities said the shooting happened shortly after 2:45 a.m. on May 31 near 14th and Harrison streets in downtown Oakland. Police responded to reports of gunfire and found Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Investigators allege Solomon had been walking toward his vehicle after leaving a nightclub with a friend when a man approached him and demanded a chain he was wearing. Family members later told local media that Solomon complied with the demand and was prepared to hand over his belongings. His mother, Florence Edward, said her son was willing to surrender everything rather than risk violence. Despite that, prosecutors allege he was shot during the encounter. The incident shocked relatives and friends who described Solomon as peaceful, community-minded and devoted to helping others through his work as a nurse and health educator.
Alameda County prosecutors have charged 39-year-old Shacory Carnell Daniels in connection with the killing. Court records show Daniels faces charges that include murder, attempted robbery, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Authorities said Daniels was arrested June 4 in Menlo Park, several days after the shooting. He is being held without bail. Prosecutors have not publicly released additional details about the evidence gathered during the investigation, and several questions remain unanswered, including whether investigators believe Daniels acted alone and whether surveillance footage or witness statements played a key role in identifying him. Officials have also not disclosed a detailed account of the moments immediately before the shooting. The criminal complaint alleges the robbery attempt was directly connected to Solomon’s death, but many investigative details remain under seal or have not yet been presented in open court.
Before his death, Solomon had built a reputation both in health care and on social media. Born and raised in Ghana, he later moved to the United States and pursued a nursing career in the Bay Area. Family members said he studied at Merritt College and earned a nursing degree from Samuel Merritt University. He worked at health care facilities including Alameda Health Care and Kindred Hospital in San Leandro. Outside his clinical work, Solomon used social media to explain medical topics in plain language. His TikTok account attracted more than 20,000 followers and generated more than 1 million views. Supporters said he focused on education rather than entertainment, answering questions about health conditions, treatments and patient care. Relatives described nursing as more than a job for Solomon, saying he viewed it as a calling. His online audience often praised his approachable style and willingness to share information that could help people better understand their health.
The legal case is now moving through Alameda County Superior Court. Prosecutors announced the charges in early June, and Daniels appeared in court following his arrest. According to court schedules released by authorities, his next hearing is set for June 30, when he is expected to continue responding to the charges against him. The case could proceed through preliminary hearings and other pretrial stages before any trial date is established. Prosecutors may present evidence including witness accounts, forensic findings and investigative records gathered by Oakland police. Defense attorneys will have an opportunity to challenge that evidence as the case advances. No conviction has been secured, and Daniels remains charged rather than convicted. Officials have not announced whether additional charges or defendants could emerge. Meanwhile, family members continue organizing funeral arrangements and seeking financial support for Solomon’s surviving relatives, including his 11-year-old daughter and his father in Ghana.
The loss has resonated far beyond the immediate crime scene. Friends and relatives remember Solomon as someone who stayed connected with loved ones despite the demands of hospital work. His brother, Emmanuel Solomon, said the circumstances of the shooting were especially painful because “he was scared of guns.” Family members said he regularly checked in with relatives in both the United States and Ghana and made time for gatherings, conversations and encouragement. His sister-in-law, Nana Ekua Solomon, said his online work reflected a genuine passion for educating people about health rather than a desire for fame. Colleagues described him as compassionate with patients and respected among fellow nurses. Messages posted online after his death highlighted stories of kindness, mentorship and support. For many followers, the videos remain a record of the practical guidance and reassurance he tried to provide. Those who knew him say they hope his legacy will be defined by his care for others rather than the violence that ended his life.
As of Friday, the homicide case remains active and Daniels is awaiting his next court appearance on June 30. Solomon’s family continues preparing memorial services while supporters remember the nurse, educator and father whose work touched patients, colleagues and thousands of online followers.