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A pregnant woman was killed and six others injured Friday in a shooting at a Spirit Halloween store in California, with three victims left fighting for their lives as police hunt for the gunman.
Constance Hages, 31, died from gunshot wounds following the incident at roughly 8:30 p.m. Friday inside the Spirit Halloween at the Solano Town Center shopping mall in Fairfield, about 45 miles northeast of San Francisco, police said.
Hages’s family told detectives she was pregnant at the time of the shooting. The Solano County Coroner’s Office will confirm the information following an examination.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” police said in a Facebook update Saturday.
Three other victims — a 16-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man and a 32-year-old man — remain in critical condition. A 23-year-old man is also hospitalized in critical but stable condition, police said.
Two additional victims, aged 19 and 43, were treated for gunshot wounds and have since been released from the hospital.
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack involving a suspect inside the store. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence as they work to identify the person responsible.
“Our department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim who died from their injuries. We also extend our thoughts to the other victims who were injured during this shooting. We are not releasing the identities of any victims at this time,” police said in an update Saturday afternoon.
No arrests have been announced in connection with the shooting.
“We recognize the concern and uncertainty this incident has created throughout our community, particularly with the many Halloween events and celebrations planned for today,” police said. “We understand that an incident of this nature is frightening and deeply unsettling.”
“We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, look out for one another, and report any suspicious activity. The safety of our community remains our priority, and our department remains committed to working alongside our community to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe Halloween,” the department added.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help investigators is asked to contact the Fairfield Police Department at 707-428-7600 or email 1030mall@fairfield.ca.gov.
Meanwhile, across the country in Madison Heights, Michigan, a 21-year-old Detroit man is dead after being shot multiple times during an argument inside a Spirit Halloween store.
The suspected shooter’s wife, Alanna, claims her husband fired in self-defense after being confronted by a man he knew and had a history with as they left the store with their three children, she told ClickOnDetroit.
She said the man reached into his pockets, prompting her husband, a concealed pistol license holder, to open fire.
Police, however, plan to pursue criminal charges.
Spirit Halloween told The Independent in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic incidents that occurred at our Spirit Halloween stores. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of these heartbreaking events.”
The seasonal retailer, which typically operates from late summer into early November, added that it is fully cooperating with local law enforcement agencies in both cases.
“Out of respect for those impacted and to support the ongoing investigations, the affected stores will remain closed until further notice,” the statement concluded.
