Woman, 68, Ran Over By Car During Armed Robbery At Fashion Island In Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Three men remained behind bars Wednesday in connection with the death of a 68-year-old woman who was run over and killed during an attempted armed robbery at Fashion Island mall in Newport Beach.

Leroyernest Joseph McCrary, 26, of Compton; Jaden Cunningham, 18, of Lancaster; and Malachi Eddward Darnell, 18, of Los Angeles; were all booked on suspicion of murder, armed robbery and conspiracy, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.

The woman found dead at the scene of the incident was identified by authorities as Patricia McKay, 68, who was visiting from New Zealand.

According to police, two of the suspects — one armed with a handgun — approached McKay and her husband as they were walking outside the Barnes & Noble store at the mall around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

A struggle ensued, and McKay was dragged into a parking lot street, police said.

The pair of suspects then returned to a white Toyota Camry driven by a third person. One of the suspects fired several shots, but nobody was struck by the gunfire, police said.

The Camry ran over McKay as the suspects drove from the scene, killing her. She was found dead at the scene moments later.

The suspects led Newport Beach Police officers on a pursuit north on the San Diego (405) Freeway.

During the chase the driver pulled over in the Cypress area, and one of the suspects jumped out of the car, but was later apprehended. The other two suspects continued the pursuit into South Gate, where they were both arrested.

Police said McKay’s husband was not seriously injured during the robbery. He has not been identified.

Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill visited the crime scene Tuesday and lashed out at the suspects, calling them “creeps” and decrying the “stunning, staggering” attack.

“Newport Beach is a safe community and we’re mourning the loss of someone,” he said. “Frankly, to hell with these guys. … These are thugs. Every community is now dealing with this. We have to do better as a society. We cannot tolerate this.”

O’Neill praised law enforcement for collaring the three male suspects, but he said, “None of that brings her back.”

O’Neill emphasized that the mall’s owners have “phenomenal security” and that it is a safe place for shoppers.

“Frankly, I would have no problem coming back here with my family,” the mayor said.