Prosecutors charged Vernika Dunbar with involuntary manslaughter after police said a firearm discharged during a confrontation involving her sister.
OAKLAND, Calif. — The sister of reality television personality Mackayla “Kash” Paige has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after authorities said a gun discharged as she tried to strike another woman during a confrontation in downtown Oakland, fatally wounding Paige.
Vernika Dunbar, 38, was charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office following the early Sunday shooting near 14th and Harrison streets, according to Oakland police as reported by KTVU. Police said Dunbar was trying to strike with a handgun a woman who was fighting with Paige when the weapon discharged. Paige, 29, was hit and later died at a hospital. Dunbar also faces an assault with a firearm charge and additional firearms-related counts, according to the report.
Officers were called to the 200 block of 14th Street shortly after 1:30 a.m. Oct. 11 following reports of gunfire. Police found Paige suffering from at least one gunshot wound and attempted lifesaving measures before she was taken to a hospital, authorities said. She was later pronounced dead.
Police initially said only that an adult woman from Richmond had been arrested in connection with the shooting. Authorities had not publicly identified the woman or explained what led to the gunfire when the arrest was first announced. The later announcement naming Dunbar and describing her as Paige’s sister provided the first official account of how investigators believe the fatal shot was fired.
Authorities have not released a full account of what started the confrontation or explained the relationship between the other woman and those involved. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show an altercation around the time of the shooting, but investigators have not publicly confirmed that the footage captures the full sequence of events. Earlier reports said police had not disclosed a motive.
Paige, a Richmond resident known professionally as Kash, built an audience through independently produced reality television and streaming programs. Reports identified her appearances as including “Real West Coast Baddies,” “Young & Reckless” and “RoomH8z.” She also maintained a social media following and had posted material from a night out before the shooting.
Family members described Paige in interviews with Bay Area television stations as energetic, ambitious and focused on building a larger career in entertainment. Her cousin Azima King told NBC Bay Area that Paige wanted to succeed in acting and modeling and remembered her as someone who brought energy to those around her. Relatives also said she had ambitions connected to modeling, makeup and business.
A memorial of flowers and candles grew near the downtown shooting scene after Paige’s death. Now That’s TV, the streaming platform associated with programs on which Paige appeared, also publicly mourned her. Family members have urged people following the case to remember Paige for her ambitions and personality rather than unverified claims circulating online about her final moments.
The charges against Dunbar are allegations, and they do not establish criminal guilt. Authorities had not released a complete account of the confrontation as of Tuesday, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Paige’s death remained active.
Author note: Last updated October 13, 2026.