Oakland, California – The California Highway Patrol has announced the arrest of a suspect in the slaying of Laketha McCowan in 2023. According to CHP, its Golden Gate Division Special Investigations Unit arrested 49-year-old Nathanuel McCowan.

The investigation started on February 26, 2023 when officers responded to a report of an assault in progress around 1:30 a.m. on the Edwards Avenue off-ramp from eastbound Interstation 580 in Oakland.

Officers found a woman on the shoulder with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. CHP says Golden Gate Division SIU took over and identified Nathanuel McCowan as the primary suspect.

After nearly two years of investigating, charges were filed against McCowan. Around 11:50 p.m. on January 2, 2025, McCowan was taken into custody at the Sky River Casino in Elk Grover.

He is being held in the Santa Rita Jail.