Lartey Solomon, a 33-year-old registered nurse and TikTok health educator, was fatally shot on May 31 in downtown Oakland, California, while he was walking to his vehicle. Known to his online community as Nurse Solomon, he spent his days working at Alameda Health Care and Kindred Hospital in San Leandro. At the same time, his free time was dedicated to sharing health advice with more than 20,000 followers.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, prosecutors allege that 39-year-old Shacory Carnell Daniels committed the shooting during an attempted robbery. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged Daniels with murder, an attempted robbery-related felony, personal and intentional discharge of a firearm, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Solomon’s mother, Florence Edward, shared with KTVU that Solomon and a friend were leaving a nightclub and walking toward their cars when the event happened. “This man approached him again and said, ‘Give me your chain.’ My son says, ‘You can have…’ He was ready to take off everything.” Unfortunately, the situation escalated despite his willingness to comply. Solomon’s friend, who was walking toward his own vehicle, reported hearing gunshots shortly after.
His family said that his entire career was driven by passion
Police reportedly responded to the 1400 block of Harrison Street shortly after 2:45 AM, where they found Solomon suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Records indicate that Daniels has previous felony convictions in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Orange counties. He was arrested on June 4 in Menlo Park and is currently being held without bail at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland, with a hearing scheduled for June 30.
According to PEOPLE, Solomon’s brother, Emmanuel Solomon, noted that his brother “was scared of guns.” Emmanuel told KTVU. “For him to die of gun violence, that’s sad and really tough for us.” PEOPLE noted that his death has resonated far beyond his local community, to his online community. His content garnered more than 1 million views, and those who followed him appreciated his ability to make complex health topics accessible.
The family set up a GoFundMe campaign to support his 11-year-old daughter and his father in Ghana, as well as to cover funeral expenses. In it, the family says that Solomon’s journey began in Ghana, where he was born and raised before moving to the United States. He pursued his education at Merritt College and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Samuel Merritt University.
In a statement shared on a GoFundMe page, his family emphasized that his career was not just a job, but a genuine vocation. “As a nurse, caring for others was more than a profession — it was his calling. He was passionate about educating people on their health and empowering them to make informed decisions about their well-being.”
His sister-in-law, Nana Ekua Solomon, highlighted the genuine nature of his online work, telling KTVU, “What Lartey was doing online wasn’t for financial reasons, it was his passion. We want his legacy to still live.” She also noted that he was more than just a public figure, adding, “Lartey was not just a headline.”
They further said on the fundraising platform that he was a man deeply committed to his loved ones, noting, “No matter how busy life became, he made time for the people he loved. Family gatherings, phone calls, words of encouragement, and moments of laughter were important to him. He believed in staying connected and reminding others that they mattered.”
His family remains focused on honoring his memory, stating, “Lartey will be remembered not for the violence that took him from us, but for the compassion he showed, the sacrifices he made, and the love he poured into the world every single day of his life.”
It is unfortunate that robberies can turn fatal in a heartbeat. Just this year, a decorated Marine was fatally shot after someone stopped by for a Facebook marketplace sale. Another incident in West Virginia could have gotten worse when a woman attempted to rob a convenience store, but luckily it just turned awkward, even though there was gunfire.
Published: Jun 17, 2026 09:54 am