The woman accused of firing the fatal shot that killed reality television personality Mackayla “Kash” Paige is her own sister, who is now facing multiple criminal charges in connection with the tragedy.
Vernika Dunbar, 38, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following the October 11, 2026, shooting in downtown Oakland, California. According to KTVU FOX 2, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office filed charges after investigators determined that Dunbar allegedly discharged a firearm while attempting to intervene in a physical altercation involving her younger sister.
Oakland police say Dunbar was trying to strike another woman with a handgun as that woman fought with Paige. During the confrontation, the weapon reportedly discharged, and the bullet struck Paige instead.
The incident turned what authorities described as an attempt to intervene in a fight into a fatal shooting. Investigators allege Dunbar fired the shot that killed her sister, although the circumstances described by police suggest Paige was not the intended target.
In addition to involuntary manslaughter, Dunbar faces assault with a firearm and additional gun-related charges stemming from the confrontation. Authorities have not publicly established what initially caused the dispute or explained the relationship between Paige and the other woman involved.
The charges represent a significant development in the investigation into Mackayla Paige’s death. Early reports identified the person arrested only as a woman from Richmond, California. Police later confirmed that the accused was Paige’s sister.
According to CBS News San Francisco, officers responded to reports of gunfire around 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of 14th Street, near Harrison Street. When police arrived, they discovered Paige suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
Emergency personnel transported the 29-year-old to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead despite efforts to save her life.
The location quickly became the focus of a homicide investigation. KTVU reported that videos circulating on TikTok showed a significant police presence outside Cave Lounge, near where the shooting occurred. Emergency vehicles and officers were visible in footage recorded during the aftermath.
As investigators worked to establish the sequence of events, videos reportedly showing portions of the confrontation also began circulating online. The footage fueled widespread discussion among followers of the reality television personality.
However, police have not publicly provided a complete account of what sparked the confrontation or confirmed every detail circulating on social media.
For viewers familiar with the independent reality television scene, Paige was known as Kash, a bold personality who appeared on several unscripted entertainment programs.
Her television credits included “Real West Coast Baddies,” “Room H8z” and “Young & Reckless,” according to KTVU. She developed an audience through her appearances on reality programming associated with the Now That’s TV streaming platform.
Following her death, the network publicly acknowledged the loss and recognized her contributions to its programming.
In a statement reported by KRON4, Now That’s TV 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.”
The network also extended condolences to Paige’s relatives, friends, castmates, and supporters.
Beyond television, Paige had ambitions that reached into other areas of entertainment and business.
According to NBC Bay Area, her cousin, Azima King, described Paige as an aspiring actress and model who wanted to build a successful future.
King remembered her cousin as someone whose personality was much bigger than her appearances on reality television.
“She wanted to be somebody. She wanted to make it, she had big plans and dreams.”
Her family’s recollections offered a different perspective from the confrontational moments that often attract attention on reality shows.
While viewers knew Paige through televised disagreements and an outspoken public persona, her loved ones described a woman who was motivated, ambitious, and determined to create opportunities for herself.
The loss has been particularly painful for relatives who had watched her pursue those goals.
In the days following the shooting, family members, friends and supporters gathered near the downtown Oakland location where Paige was wounded. A growing memorial became a place for mourners to leave tributes and remember her life.
During an interview with CBS News San Francisco, Paige’s cousin spoke about how deeply the reality star valued the people who supported her.
“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.
The family’s grief has unfolded publicly as the investigation continues to attract attention from reality television audiences and social media users.
What initially appeared to be another deadly shooting outside a nightlife area has become a case involving two sisters, one now deceased and the other facing prosecution.
The involuntary manslaughter charge is an important distinction because prosecutors are not accusing Dunbar of intentionally murdering Paige. Nevertheless, the allegations involve the handling and discharge of a firearm during an already volatile confrontation.
Dunbar’s criminal charges remain allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Any determination of criminal responsibility will depend on the evidence presented through the legal process.
The case also raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the fight, including what happened before the firearm was introduced and how the confrontation escalated. Investigators have not publicly answered those questions.
For Paige’s loved ones, those unanswered details exist alongside the reality of losing a daughter, sister, cousin, and friend at just 29 years old.
The attention surrounding the Kash shooting has also placed the family’s grief under intense public scrutiny. As videos and speculation spread, relatives have urged people to remember Paige for her aspirations and the person she was outside television.
King made that point during her interview with NBC Bay Area, asking viewers not to allow footage of the tragedy to define her cousin’s legacy.
“Don’t remember her for that video.”
As the criminal case against Dunbar moves forward, the investigation into Mackayla Paige’s death continues, while her family is left mourning a young woman whose life and ambitions extended far beyond the reality television screen.
