The sister of a reality television personality has been charged in the star's killing that occurred during a weekend street fight, authorities said Wednesday.
Vernika Dunbar, 38, was arrested Sunday following the deadly shooting of her sister, Mackayla Paige, a 29-year-old reality television star who appeared on shows such as Real West Coast Baddies and Young and Reckless, during a confrontation with two other women in Oakland, police said.
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Dunbar, who was charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter, told responding officers she had been with Paige and two others when a verbal and physical altercation occurred near 14th and Harrison streets in Oakland, according to charging documents obtained by Newsweek.
"Dunbar attempted to protect and assist Paige by retrieving a firearm from one of the two other subjects in their company," police wrote in charging documents. "Dunbar had the firearm in her possession while trying to strike the unknown female subject."
The gun discharged during the chaos, striking Paige in the head. She was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, police said.
Video surveillance footage supported Dunbar's statement to authorities, charging documents show.
Dunbar, of Berkeley, California, is also facing charges of assault with a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm in public and brandishing a firearm in public. It's unclear if she's hired an attorney who can comment on her behalf.
Mourners set up a makeshift memorial near the shooting scene later Sunday, remembering Paige for her relentless pursuit of mainstream success.
"She wanted to be famous so bad," Paige's cousin, Nicky Clayton, told KTVU. "She still had morals, don't get me wrong. She wanted to be a reality star. She [wanted] to start her own business. She was modeling for a lot of companies, and she really wanted to do makeup."
Clayton said Paige had been extremely close with her family.
"I don't know what transpired, but I know she's supposed to be here," Clayton told the station on Sunday. "I'm in disbelief."
Paige's fans have been paying tribute to her online, where she had tens of thousands of social media followers.
"Hope you are sleeping in peace pretty angel," one reply read.
Charles Shavies, also Paige's cousin, said her mother had been extremely proud of the young woman's onscreen success.
"Kash was more than a reality TV star and social media influencer — she was a beautiful young woman with big dreams, a bold personality, and a determination to make her mark on the world," Shavies wrote Monday on Facebook. "From Real West Coast Baddies to Young & Reckless and RoomH8z, she was building a name for herself while inspiring others to chase their dreams. Although her journey was cut tragically short, her spirit, ambition, and unforgettable presence will live on through everyone who knew and loved her."
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon and Edward T. Cummins