Incident Overview
A tragic incident occurred in Newport Beach, California, on Tuesday, resulting in the death of a New Zealand tourist. The woman, Patricia, was visiting the area with her husband when they were confronted by two men in an attempted armed robbery.
The Crime
The suspects, described as being from out of town, approached the couple in a small parking lot. During the attempted robbery, a struggle ensued. The suspects fired three shots, missing their targets, and a third individual arrived with a getaway car. In a devastating turn of events, Patricia was dragged into the street and subsequently run over by the getaway car.
Suspects and Charges
The youngest suspect involved in the crime is 18 years old. The third suspect, Ernest Joseph McCrary, has a history of criminal activity in California, including three felony convictions. All three men are currently behind bars and facing several charges, including murder.
Official Responses
The incident has prompted responses from both local authorities and New Zealand officials. The District Attorney emphasized the need for societal improvement, stating, “We have to do better as a society. We cannot tolerate this.” New Zealand’s Prime Minister, who personally knows the couple, offered condolences, expressing, “My thoughts are with the family after the devastating loss of Trish. They are great people. My heart goes out to Doug.”
Community Reaction
Officials in New Zealand paused for a moment of silence to honor Patricia. A memorial has been set up at the shopping center where the incident took place, serving as a somber reminder of the tragedy.
Husband’s Condition
According to police, Patricia’s husband was not physically injured during the incident. However, emotionally, he is deeply affected by the loss of his wife. The police released a news update mentioning the significant emotional toll on him.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of such violent crimes and the far-reaching impact they have on victims, families, and communities. The investigation continues as authorities seek justice for Patricia and her family.
