Alameda County's Tough New District Attorney Files Charges In Robbery, Murder

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Robert Donnelle Hughes, 19, has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Nathaniel Lee McCowan during an armed robbery in San Leandro on April 1, 2024, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced Tuesday.

Hughes faces charges of murder, robbery, carrying a loaded and concealed firearm in public, and carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

Prosecutors have also filed enhancements for possessing a concealed, unregistered, loaded firearm at the time of the robbery and killing.

If convicted, he faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

“This senseless loss of life is the result of a robbery with a gun,” Jones Dickson said. “We cannot ignore the potential for physical harm and death associated with violent robberies in our community. We all must work harder to encourage less gun violence and to ensure that when gun violence occurs, we support victims and their families as they seek peace and justice.”

Hughes is scheduled to appear for a plea hearing on Thursday at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin.