The couple, banker Doug and Patricia “Trish” McKay, were ambushed by a gang of men on July 2 when they were shopping at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, according to officials.
In the subsequent events, Ms. McKay, 68, a friend of the prime minister of New Zealand, was slain when she was dragged along a road, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Murder charges have been brought against three people.
The DA described the incident in detail, stating that it happened approximately 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Los Angeles and that two males wearing masks rushed out of a car as the couple was waiting.
They allegedly ordered Mr. McKay to the ground, brandished a gun at his head, and demanded that he give over the pricey watch he was wearing.
When Ms. McKay attempted to grab her shopping bags, one man attacked her. He is charged with pushing her into the street and hurling her to the ground.
According to the DA’s news release, Mr. McKay attempted to protect his wife from being run over by jumping in front of the automobile, but the third guy behind the wheel accelerated.
The car pushed Mr. McKay aside, but three of them pulled his wife 65 feet (20 meters) beneath the vehicle, killing her.
