Authorities say they identified the man who fatally shot a Southern California woman over the LGBTQ+ Pride flag displayed at her clothing store as a 27-year-old local, and say he used an unregistered firearm in the attack.
San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies responded to the Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen, Calif., at around 5 p.m. local time for reports of a shooting.
Deputies discovered 66-year-old Laura Ann Carleton suffering from a gunshot wound. Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene, the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department said in a news release.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi of Cedar Glen ran from police.
According to deputies, the man made "several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag" that stood outside Carleton's store before ultimately shooting her.
Deputies were later able to locate Ikeguchi, who was confronted by deputies and was killed, authorities said. No deputies were injured.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department says it's investigating further into the 9mm semi-automatic handgun used by the suspect.
Carleton, who went by "Lauri," had a husband and nine children, according to the clothing store's website. She owned and operated the Mag.Pi clothing store and began her career in fashion at an early age.
Carleton studied at the ArtCenter College of Design and had a long career in the fashion industry, including a 15-year run as an executive at Kenneth Cole, the site said.
Tributes continue to pour in honoring Carleton following news of the fatal shooting.
The Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ organization took to social media to address the shooting, saying that while Carleton did not identify as a member, she spent her time helping and being an advocate for those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Mountain Provisions Cooperative, a local food co-op, said on Instagram that Carleton and her husband had been pivotal in helping organize a free store after a blizzard hit the area earlier this year.
"Lauri was a pillar in our community, an immovable force in her values for equality, love, and justice," according to the post. "If you knew Lauri you know she loved hard, laughed often, and nurtured and protected those she cared about."
