OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) -- Kash’s sister was the one who fired the gun that killed the 29-year-old reality television personality in Oakland, according to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Vernika Dunbar, 38, of Berkeley, was charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter in the killing of Kash, whose legal name is Mackayla Paige.
The fatal shooting occurred early Sunday around 1:35 a.m. in the 270 block of 14th Street. According to a probable cause declaration, Dunbar told police she was with her sister Paige and two others when an altercation broke out with another party. Paige was fighting with an unknown woman, and Dunbar retrieved a gun from one of the two other people with her, the document stated.
“Dunbar had the firearm in her possession while trying to strike the unknown female subject. The firearm discharged and Paige was shot from Dunbar’s actions,” the declaration reads.
Mackayla Paige (left), photo courtesy of family.
Malik Smith, who was a friend of Paige, was in the area at the time of the shooting. Speaking to KRON4 on Tuesday, she said, “It was definitely an accident because she was definitely helping her. It's just one of those things where -- gun safety is very important -- you got to have the safety on.”
Smith called 911 for her critically injured friend. Arriving first responders found Paige suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. She was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.
“All I can remember is her smile, her laugh, her joy -- like, her energy,” Smith said. “I don't know the reality show 'Kash.' I know her. That's my little sis."
Paige appeared on several reality TV shows produced and streamed on the Now That’s TV network. In a statement released following the shooting, the network said, “Through her appearances on YNR, RoomMHates and Now That’s Riot, Kash became a part of our network’s story, and we will forever cherish the memories she leaves behind.”
In addition to being charged with involuntary manslaughter, Dunbar also faces counts of assault with a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm in public and brandishing a firearm in public.
