3 Accused Of Killing Tourist In Fashion Island Plead Not Guilty

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Three Los Angeles County men charged with a deadly armed robbery at Fashion Island pleaded not guilty on Thursday, Aug. 1, to special circumstances murder charges for the killing of a 68-year-old New Zealand woman who was dragged to death under a getaway car at the shopping center, The Orange County Register reported.

According to the newspaper, a defense attorney during a brief hearing entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Leroy Ernest Joseph McCrary, Malachi Eddward Darnell and Jaden Cunningham, all three of whom are charged for the death of Patricia McKay during an attempted robbery.

The defendant’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 11, the newspaper said. They are currently being held in custody without bail.

The mid-day robbery attempt and killing drew national and international headlines, and put residents in the surrounding area on high alert.

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

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 Fashion Island mall around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 2.

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 was not identified.