In a shocking daylight incident, a mother was brutally murdered in front of her husband while they were shopping at an upscale mall in California.
The family of Patricia (Trish) McKay, who was visiting Newport Beach with her husband, prominent Auckland businessman Doug McKay, expressed their profound grief, stating that "no words" could encapsulate their sorrow.
The couple, who were on vacation from New Zealand, were browsing the high-end Fashion Island mall when they were accosted by two men. According to the New York Post, a struggle ensued, culminating in the men dragging McKay to a parking lot. Here, a third individual, driving a white Toyota Camry, allegedly ran over her before the trio made their escape.
Doug McKay, although physically unharmed, was a witness to the horrific incident. Three gunshots were reportedly fired during the ordeal, but no one was hit by the stray bullets. Heather Rangel from the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that an investigation was underway and that three suspects had been apprehended.
The Los Angeles Times identified the suspects as 26-year-old Leroyernest Joseph McCrary of Compton, 18-year-old Jaden Cunningham of Lancaster, and 18-year-old Malachi Edward Darnell of Los Angeles. All three were taken into custody on charges of homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy. The arrests followed a protracted car chase through Newport Beach, ending in Cypress, where the suspects abandoned the car and attempted to flee on foot before being captured.
In a statement released by McKay's family, they expressed their profound grief, stating, "no words can express our sadness as we try to come to terms with the loss of our mother, wife, and friend Patricia". They requested privacy as they grappled with their loss.
New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, described McKay's death as "an absolute tragedy". In a conversation with Newstalk ZB's Kerre Woodham, Luxon revealed his close acquaintance with Doug McKay, describing him as a "great man" from a "great family". He extended his thoughts and prayers to the bereaved family.
Auckland's Deputy Mayor, Desley Simpson, also paid tribute to McKay, describing her as "amazing, funny, loyal, and loving". She expressed her shock and extended her deepest sympathies to Doug and the rest of the family.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community of Newport Beach, typically known for its tranquility and affluence. One witness, Rachel West, recounted the chilling scene to CBS News, describing people running and a lifeless body on the ground. Another witness, Case Burnett, recalled the panic and fear as people screamed about gunshots.
Newport Mayor Will ONeill described the incident as a "stunning, staggering act", emphasizing that Newport Beach is a safe community. He expressed his fury and grief over the incident, stating, "These are thugs and every community is now dealing with this. We have to do better as a society because we cannot tolerate this. This doesn't happen in Newport Beach. Fashion Island is an incredibly safe place. This is a tragedy, and I'm furious." The incident underscores the urgent need for society to address the growing menace of violent crime, even in communities traditionally considered safe.
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