Mackayla "Kash" Paige made a name for herself by appearing in reality television shows such as Young & Reckless and Real West Coast Baddies. She was tragically shot and killed on October 11, 2026, in Oakland, California. Kash was transported to a hospital and pronounced deceased there. She was 29 years old. Her sister, Vernika Dunbar, was charged in Kash's death. However, their mom allegedly thinks the blame deserves to be placed on someone else.
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Per TMZ, "...[P]olice in Oakland, CA say Kash was brawling with a woman when Kash's sister, Vernika Dunbar, came to her defense and tried to pistol-whip the woman ... only to fire a bullet that killed Kash." Cynthia, Kash's mother, told the outlet, that Dunbar was just trying to step up and help her sibling. She allegedly believes that what happened to Kash was a genuine accident on Dunbar's part and not a deliberate act.
According to the outlet, Cynthia feels that the woman who was fighting with Kash is the one who should be in jail.
Vernika's Mom Defended Her
Per the outlet, "Vernika was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm, and carrying a loaded firearm in public, all felonies." Nevertheless, her mom, Cynthia, reportedly shared with the outlet that the firearm allegedly did not belong to Dunbar. She also claimed that Dunbar typically did not carry a gun.
Cynthia added that the sisters were on good terms and there was no antagonism between them. In fact, she reportedly said that on the day Kash was shot, she and Dunbar went to a flag football game that Cynthia's granddaughter was playing in. Then they allegedly went to a motorcycle club and were in high spirits.
It seems like Cynthia holds the woman who was allegedly physically tangling with Kash responsible for what culminated in her daughter's death.
Kash's Cousin Is Stunned by Her Passing
Azima King, Kash;s cousin, acknowledged that her sudden death has hit her hard. She told ABC7 Eyewitness News, "Honestly I don't know how I feel. I'm floating. Shaking. I've been shaking since yesterday." King added, "She just wanted better for her life. And she wanted to be better. And she wanted to change."
