Man shoots and kills clothing store owner for flying Pride flag outside store

The owner of a clothing shop was shot and killed after someone made bigoted remarks about the Pride flag that was flying outside the store, according to multiple reports.

According to The Sun, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies found the suspect nearby and shot and killed him.

Deputies responded to the Magpi clothing store on Hook Creek Road around 5 p.m. and found the victim, identified as Laura Ann Carleton, 66, outside the store suffering from a gunshot wound.

Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies received information the suspect, a man, was seen on Torrey Road east of Highway 173 and found him near Rouse Ranch Road, about a mile north of the store, officials said. What led up to authorities shooting him was not immediately disclosed.

The suspect’s identity was withheld by officials pending notification of his relatives.

According to a press release from San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, “the suspect made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store before shooting Carleton.”

The Los Angeles Times reports that colleagues, friends, family and community members brought flowers, flags and banners to the store to honor Carleton’s life.

Robin Lyles, a close friend of Carleton, owns a store called the Lake House located on the same street as Mag.Pi. On Friday, Lyles was in the Lake House when a panicked customer ran inside and told her to close her store because a gunman had just shot her friend.

“When I left, I stopped and saw her husband and got out and gave him a hug and asked if it was true?,” Lyles said. “And he said, ‘yes, she’s gone.'”

The Pride flag outside of Carleton’s store was on the ground, Lyles said.

Image via Shutterstock

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.