Photo: Stock Image
By Jim Emerson
OAKLAND — A man remains in custody ineligible for release on bond for allegedly
murdering his wife. Nathaniel McCowan, a 49-year-old unemployed Oakland resident, is
scheduled to appear for a plea hearing on February 5.
His wife was fatally shot on eastbound Interstate 580 last year on February 26. This shooting
happened on the freeway shoulder, near the Edwards Avenue off-ramp. California Highway
Patrol officers responded to the scene, where the victim died.
Following an investigation, McCowan was arrested on January 2 at 11:55 p.m. He was
transported and booked into Alameda County Santa Rita Jail. Multiple charges and special
allegations have been filed against McGowan. His charges include murder, use of a firearm,
corporal injury to a relationship partner, and domestic violence.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office said in a prepared statement. “The murder
count includes special allegations for intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily
injury. If convicted and sentenced, McCowan faces 56 years to life in prison.”
In addition, McCowan also has an unrelated criminal case pending from May 2024. It involves
possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.
McCowan is no stranger to law enforcement. He also has prior convictions for voluntary
manslaughter, commercial burglary, identity theft, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
