Nationwide — Mackayla “Kash” Paige, a 29-year-old African American reality star, was fatally shot by her own sister during an altercation outside a nightclub in Oakland, California. Her sister, Vernika Dunbar, now faces multiple criminal charges in connection with the shooting, which police say happened while she was trying to protect Paige from another woman.
The shooting happened around 1:35 a.m. on Sunday near the 270 block of 14th Street in downtown Oakland. According to CBS News, police said Paige, Dunbar and two other people were together when a verbal disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation between Paige and an unidentified woman. During the fight, Dunbar tried to step in and stop the other woman from attacking her sister.
Investigators said Dunbar obtained a firearm from someone in their group before approaching the two women. She allegedly attempted to strike the other woman with the gun but accidentally shot Paige instead. Officers responding to the scene found Paige with a gunshot wound and rushed her to a nearby hospital, where medical staff pronounced her dead. A memorial for the reality star was reportedly held later that Sunday.
Oakland police arrested Dunbar approximately an hour after the shooting. Investigators said she waived her rights and provided an account of what happened. Surveillance footage also supported her statement about the events leading up to the shooting. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged her with involuntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm in public and brandishing a firearm in public. The Oakland Police Department’s Homicide Section is investigating the case.
Paige built a following through her appearances on several reality shows, including Real West Coast Baddies, Young & Reckless and RoomHates. The programs, which featured cast members navigating personal conflicts and relationships, helped introduce her to viewers of the Now That’s TV network. Following her death, the network shared a tribute honoring her as part of its entertainment family. It also offered condolences to her relatives, friends and fellow cast members.
Her family is now remembering her as someone who wanted to succeed and make others happy. Her cousin, Azima King, said Paige had big dreams and wanted to build a better life for herself. Another family statement shared Monday also thanked those who supported the reality star throughout her career. “If you were a fan of her, she appreciated you. She loved you. All she wanted to do was make people happy,” her cousin said.