OAKLAND, CA — Nathaniel McCowan, a 49-year-old Oakland resident, remains in custody without bond after being charged with the murder of his wife, who was fatally shot along Interstate 580 last year.
The fatal shooting occurred on February 26, 2024, on the shoulder of eastbound I-580 near the Edwards Avenue off-ramp. Responding California Highway Patrol officers pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
Following months of investigation, McCowan was arrested on January 2 at 11:55 p.m. He is being held at the Santa Rita Jail and faces multiple charges, including murder, domestic violence, corporal injury to a partner, and use of a firearm.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office said the charges include special allegations for intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury, which could result in a sentence of 56 years to life in prison if convicted.
McCowan also faces additional charges from a separate May 2024 case for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. His criminal history includes prior convictions for voluntary manslaughter, commercial burglary, identity theft, and illegal firearm possession.
He is scheduled to appear in court for a plea hearing on February 5.
