Tourist killed during California armed robbery ID’d as wife of prominent New Zealand businessman; 3 suspects arrested
On a normally peaceful day in Newport Beach, California, tragedy struck at Fashion Island, an upscale shopping mall. Patricia “Trish” McKay, the wife of prominent New Zealand businessman Doug McKay, was killed in an armed robbery. The incident occurred during the couple’s visit from New Zealand. Local authorities have reported the arrest of three suspects associated with the crime.
Details of the Incident
Doug and Patricia McKay were strolling through the renowned mall when two men attacked them. Trouble escalated, leading to a violent interaction, and Mrs. McKay was dragged into a parking lot. According to eyewitness reports, a third individual in a white Toyota Camry ran her over while the trio attempted to flee the scene. As this unfolded, three shots were fired, though no one was directly hit by the bullets.
The Suspects
The Los Angeles County Police Department, through diligent efforts, have successfully apprehended three individuals suspected to be involved in the incident – 26-year-old Leroyernest Joseph McCrary from Compton, alongside Jaden Cunningham and Malachi Edward Darnell, both 18 and from Lancaster and Los Angeles respectively. They were arrested on suspicion of homicide, robbery with a firearm, and conspiracy, after being pursued through the streets of Newport Beach and eventually along the highways to Cypress.
Reactions to the Tragedy
News of Mrs. McKay’s gruesome demise has sent shockwaves through both the New Zealand and local Californian communities. Family members of Patricia released a statement expressing their profound grief and requested privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon referred to Mrs. McKay’s untimely death as “an absolute tragedy,” while Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson paid tribute to Mrs. McKay as “amazing, funny, loyal, and loving”.
The Newport Beach Community in Shock
Newport Beach’s reputation as a safe, affluent area, often referred to as a place where people are “always flashing a Rolex”, has been tarnished by this incident. Witnesses recall sight of people running and the terrifying discovery of a lifeless body in the mall’s parking lot.
Newport Mayor Will O’Neill deplored the incident as a “stunning, staggering act”, acknowledging the significant impact on the local community’s sense of security. He referred to those involved in the crime as “thugs” and stressed the need for society to curtail such acts, highlighting the tragedy’s discord with the characteristically serene atmosphere of Newport Beach.
This unexpected occurrence has undoubtedly left its mark on the residents of Newport Beach and has reverberated internationally due to the identity of the victim. The whole community is now left grappling with the reality of this tragic event, serving as a stark reminder of the need to maintain vigilance and promote safety.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
