A botched robbery attempt at a luxurious mall in Newport Beach, Southern California, resulted in the death of a 68-year-old tourist from New Zealand, a wife of businessman Doug McKay.
The police identified the woman as Patricia McKay, a 68-year-old tourist from New Zealand, who was visiting Wednesday, July 3.
Robbery at Newport Beach Mall Claims Life of New Zealand Businessman's Wife
The family of a mother tragically killed in broad daylight in front of her husband while they were shopping at a luxurious Californian mall is experiencing an indescribable amount of grief.
Patricia (Trish) McKay was enjoying her time in Newport Beach, California, with her husband, Doug McKay. Unfortunately, their peaceful stroll through the fashionable Fashion Island mall was interrupted when they were approached by two men.
A couple from New Zealand, who were visiting the US on vacation, were at the mall when an attempted robbery took place. As per the local police, a confrontation occurred prior to the individuals forcefully moving McKay to a nearby parking lot.
According to reports, a third individual driving a white Toyota Camry allegedly ran her over before the group fled the scene. No one was injured by gunfire, according to Newport Beach Police Sergeant Steve Oberon. However, the vehicle struck Mrs. McKay and quickly fled the area.
In a statement to the press, Heather Rangel from the LA Police Department provided an update on the ongoing investigation, revealing that three individuals have been apprehended by authorities.
Police Identify Suspects in Fatal Newport Beach Mall Robbery
According to the Los Angeles Times, the individuals have been identified by the police. They are Leroyernest Joseph McCrary, 26, from Compton, Jaden Cunningham, 18, from Lancaster, and Malachi Edward Darnell, 18, from Los Angeles.
Law enforcement officers pursued the individuals in a fast-paced pursuit across multiple counties, as the vehicle they were in reached speeds of 110mph (177km/h) on the 105 freeway.
According to CBS, the chase extended into Los Angeles County, where two individuals leaped out of the Toyota near Los Alamitos and proceeded to sprint through a residential area in South Gate.
Law enforcement apprehended one of the individuals who was concealing themselves behind garbage bins near a residence, then took them into custody. They then proceeded to locate and apprehend two additional individuals believed to be involved.
Doug McKay emerged unharmed from the attack, as confirmed by the police who reported no signs of gunshot wounds on either him or his wife Trish.
The McKay family expressed profound sadness as they grappled with the devastating loss of Patricia, their beloved mother, wife, and friend.
In a recent radio interview, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed sadness over the tragic incident.
According to Luxon, he had a close relationship with Doug McKay, the former bank chairman, and was familiar with his wife.
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