Newport Beach, California — Tragedy struck just outside a Southern California shopping mall Tuesday afternoon when a woman from New Zealand was fatally assaulted in what authorities describe as a violent robbery. Patricia McKay, 68, and her husband were accosted near the Fashion Island mall by assailants around 3:30 p.m. while the couple enjoyed a leisurely walk.
Police reports indicate that two men initially approached the couple, attempting to rob them. One of the robbers was allegedly armed with a handgun. During a struggle, McKay was forcibly dragged into the street, according to Newport Beach Police Sgt. Steve Oberon.
The situation escalated when a third assailant, driving a white Toyota Camry, collided with McKay, leading to her immediate death at the scene. The confrontation continued with one of the attackers discharging a firearm multiple times, further escalating the chaos. McKay’s body was later discovered near a bookstore in the mall parking lot.
Witnesses at the scene recounted the horror, including Beau Bayless, who attempted to intervene. Bayless described the ordeal, noting shots fired during the skirmish—one bullet narrowly missing him. He expressed deep sorrow for McKay, emphasizing the direness of the situation.
Following the attack, the suspects fled in the white Camry, sparking a high-speed police chase that extended into Los Angeles County. The pursuit ended in South Gate after dramatic scenes that included one of the suspects abandoning the vehicle to evade police on foot.
The swift response of law enforcement led to the capture of all three suspects soon after the incident. They were identified as Joseph McCrary Leroyernest, 26, from Compton; Jaden Cunningham, 18, from Lancaster; and Edward Darnell Malachi, 18, from Los Angeles.
The day’s horrific events unsettled local shoppers, many of whom described hearing the gunshots and scrambling for safety. Police had cordoned off the area, and many shoppers like Rachel West were unexpectedly met with a crime scene. West, who had planned a simple errand to fix her sunglasses, found herself caught in the ensuing lockdown.
Newport Beach authorities, including the city’s mayor, Will O’Neill, expressed dismay and anger over the incident. Known for its usual tranquility, the area’s reputation was marred by this crime. “I’m horrified and mourning the loss of someone who died inside of our city because of crime,” Mayor O’Neill stated, capturing the community’s combined feelings of grief and fury.
As the investigation continues, local leaders reassured the public of their commitment to safety and thorough justice for McKay. Meanwhile, the community remains in shock, grappling with the reality of the violence that intruded into their lives. The impact of this event on Newport Beach’s sense of security and the ongoing questions about public safety are likely to provoke discussions and actions aimed at preventing such tragedies in the future.