New Zealand tourist killed in robbery at Newport Beach mall

A 68-year-old tourist from New Zealand was killed in front of her husband by a group of robbers who opened fire in the parking lot of a Californian shopping center and then ran over the victim with a car.

Two suspects harassed the couple around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday near the Barnes & Noble bookstore in the Fashion Island Mall.

Newport Beach police Sergeant Steve Oberon told the Orange County Register that a “struggle” ensued and the woman, identified Wednesday as Patricia McKay, was dragged into the parking lot. There, McKay was fatally struck and run over by a white Toyota Camry driven by a third suspect.

One of the suspects then fled the scene on foot, shooting and flying over the parking lot in an attempt to elude police, Oberon said.

The other two sped off in the Camry and opened fire in a similar manner as they sped away from the Newport Beach mall, leading police officers on a chase across the county, from Orange County to Los Angeles County, at speeds in excess of 110 mph.

The suspects drove to the South Gate neighborhood, where the duo exited their vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. They were both arrested shortly afterward.

Oberon said the third suspect was also arrested nearby in Cypress.

According to Newport Beach police, the suspects have now been identified as Jaden Cunningham (18), Malachi Darnell (18) and Leroyernest McCrary (26), all of Los Angeles County.

They were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, robbery with firearms and conspiracy.