Three Suspects Plead Not Guilty in Fashion Island Tourist Slaying

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — The three men charged with the murder of New Zealand tourist Patricia McKay during an attempted robbery at the Fashion Island shopping mall have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The defendants—Leroyernest Nelson McCrary, 26, of Compton; Jaden Cunningham, 18, of Lancaster; and Malachi Darnell, 18, of Los Angeles—appeared in an Orange County courtroom to enter their pleas. The trio faces special circumstances murder charges, which makes them eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Details of the Charges

According to prosecutors, the men targeted 68-year-old Patricia McKay and her husband Doug as they were walking outside the high-end shopping center on July 2, 2024. During the violent encounter, McKay was dragged into the street and subsequently struck and killed by a getaway vehicle driven by one of the suspects.

In addition to the murder charges, the suspects face counts of:

• Attempted second-degree robbery
• Evading peace officers with reckless driving
• Assault with a deadly weapon

"The brutality of this crime has shocked our community, and we are committed to seeking the maximum justice allowed under the law," said the Orange County District Attorney.

The defense attorneys for the three men have declined to comment extensively on the case, stating only that they are currently reviewing the evidence provided by the prosecution. All three defendants remain held without bail as the case proceeds to the next stage of pre-trial hearings.