A grandmother from New Zealand was killed during a robbery in a wealthy coastal town in Southern California, underscoring the urgent need for tougher laws and enforcement to hold criminals accountable, while some lawmakers say across the state Such legal and enforcement tools are lacking.
Orange County prosecutors have charged three men, one of whom has a criminal record, with the murder of 68-year-old Patricia McKay. .
Suspects Leroy Ernest Joseph McCrary, 26; Malachi Edward Darnell, 18, both of Los Angeles; Jaden Cunningham, 18, of Lancaster (Jaden Cunningham) was charged with special circumstances murder. McCrary had previously been convicted of a felony, prompting some to question why he had not served time.
As a historic storm brought heavy snow and rain to Southern California, a sailboat passes the Balboa Recreation Area’s Ferris Wheel, seen recently covered in snow, as it passes Newport Harbor on Thursday, March 2, 2023 Panoramic view of the covered San Gabriel Mountains. (Alan J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Diane Dixon, a California congresswoman who once served as mayor of Newport Beach, told Fox News Digital: “We clearly have a disconnect between people who commit violent crimes and they need to be taken off the streets. Drive away until they recover.
In addition to the murder charge, McCrary was charged with second-degree attempted robbery and reckless driving to elude. Darnell faces charges of attempted second-degree robbery, attempted murder, personal use of a firearm and a felony discharge of a firearm by a person. Cunningham was also charged with second-degree attempted robbery.
California homeowner shoots burglary suspect, another dies in targeted robbery: police
A tourist from New Zealand was run over and killed by a group of suspects trying to rob him at gunpoint outside a fashion mall in California on Tuesday, triggering a frantic police chase that ended with the arrest of three suspects. (Fox 11)
Three people were arrested after a high-speed chase with Los Angeles County police. They could face the death penalty. In 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a moratorium on executions.
McClary has previous convictions for burglary in 2018, criminal threats in 2020 and robbery in 2023.
Dana Perino: Crime in California getting worse, Newsom forced to take action
Police were chasing a shirtless suspect following the killing of New Zealand tourist Patricia McKay in Newport Beach, Calif., as he walked backward toward police with his hands in the air and the officer drew his gun. (KTTV/Fox 11)
“The case against Mr. McClary has significant evidentiary issues, including witnesses who were unable to identify the suspect,” the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office told Fox News Digital. “As a result, the Airport Court’s management team approved a The plea offer would have allowed Mr. McClary to receive probation and a state prison sentence.”
The district attorney’s office noted that the plea agreement was approved by a judge but that McCrary’s alleged conduct in Newport Beach was “reprehensible.”
Current Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill criticized Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón during a recent appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
“Do your job and recognize who the real victims are,” he said. “The victims were the McKay family. Now there are victims all over your county because you didn’t do your job.”
The McKays were waiting for their car outside a Barnes & Noble bookstore when a Toyota Camry stopped and two men wearing masks got out. One of them put a gun to Douglas McKay’s head, asked him to look at his watch, and then pushed him to the ground, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said.
When they were unable to get to McKay’s property, Cunningham allegedly attacked Patricia McKay who was holding several shopping bags. He then allegedly threw her to the ground and dragged her onto the street in front of McClary’s getaway car, while stealing her luggage.
As she lay in front of the Camry, Douglas McKay tried to jump in front of the car. McClary then drove over Patricia McKay and dragged her 65 feet, authorities said. Darnell is accused of shooting at a Good Samaritan who was trying to chase Cunningham in the getaway vehicle. He eventually jumped in and the three fled, authorities said.
California crime reform gets ‘unheard’ support from DAS, small businesses and progressive mayors
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón is creating a racial justice law unit within his office. (Brian Vanderbrugg/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Cunningham was arrested after jumping out of his car in suburban Cypress, and McCray and Darnell were arrested after a chase ended with Los Angeles County police.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described McKay’s killing as an “absolute tragedy” and expressed his condolences to the family who he knew. A spokesperson for the New Zealand Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Fox News Digital that the agency is assisting the McKay family.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer blamed the murder on Newsom, a Democrat, and the Democratic-led state Legislature.
“Our malls and malls have become a hunting ground for criminals who stalk and blindly rob innocent shoppers because our governor and Legislature refuse to hold anyone accountable for their actions,” Spitzer said. “Actions have consequences and should not result in the death of an elderly woman who was simply enjoying a day of shopping with her husband. Let our elected leaders in Sacramento realize that this is a product of their soft-on-crime policies. Encourage crime while sacrificing public safety.
California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones said criminals are emboldened to steal and commit violent crimes because of California’s soft approach to crime.
Newsom urges end to Progressive party’s ‘conspiracy’ to undermine popular anti-crime initiative
The incident occurred outside Barnes & Noble in Newport Beach (Google Maps)
“This is what we have in California,” he told Fox News Digital. “He (McLary) was completely emboldened. He never paid any price for his previous crimes.”
Jones also cited recent failed efforts by Newsom and some Democrats to implement a proposed anti-crime ballot measure to compete with another effort to strengthen California’s controversial Proposition 47.
Proposition 47, a 2014 voter-approved ballot initiative, downgraded some lower-level crimes to misdemeanors and set a $950 felony threshold for shoplifting. Supporters argued the law led to an increase in crime and retail theft. Proposition 36 would reform Proposition 47 to increase penalties and penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, increase penalties for shoplifters with two or more theft-related convictions on their record, and make fentanyl Added to list of drug offenses.
“We need to restore some public safety and give law enforcement the tools they need to deal with violent crime,” Dickson said. “If they can get to the sentencing process and their time in jail can be rehabilitated and returned to the community, then okay , but these men who committed this murder in Newport Beach have never been sentenced for a violent crime.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
Shortly after Patricia McKay was killed, Democratic Sen. Dave Ming, who represents Newport Beach, said in a statement that he was committed to improving public safety.
“We cannot rest until we fully address the twin epidemics of gun violence and rising crime rates,” he said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Min’s office and the California Democratic Party.
