3 Suspects Remain Jailed in Connection With Newport Beach Robbery-Killing

Three men remained jailed Wednesday in connection with the death of a 68-year-old woman who was run over and killed during an attempted armed robbery at the upscale 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 who died in the Tuesday afternoon robbery was identified 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, during which McKay was dragged into a parking lot street.

The two suspects then retreated 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, police said. She died at the scene.

The suspects led authorities 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.

— City News Service