Laura Ann Carleton, a 66-year-old married mother of nine, was attacked and killed at her MagPi clothing store by someone who was angered by her decision to display a Pride flag.
The business is located on Hook Creek Road in Cedar Glen. In a statement issued by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, it was confirmed that on Friday, at around at 5:00 pm, the unnamed suspect walked into the store and fatally shot Laura Ann Carleton.
After the brutal murder of the store owner, the suspect fled the scene on foot. According to the authorities, they found the armed killer near Torrey and Rause Rancho Roads.
When the police attempted to apprehend the suspect, a forced encounter took place, and he was killed. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department stated: “When deputies attempted to contact the suspect, a lethal force encounter occurred and the suspect was pronounced deceased.”
The updated statement revealed that no officers were injured in the altercation. During the investigation, it was discovered that Laura Ann Carleton and the suspect had multiple disputes over the rainbow flag.
The police said: “Through further investigation, detectives learned the suspect made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store before shooting Carleton.”
The MagPi store website features a biography of Carleton that revealed that she was “a mother of nine and has been married to the same man for 28 years.”
Carleton, who was known as Lauri, “studied at the Art Center School of Design and had a long career in fashion, including 15 years as an executive at Kenneth Cole.”
Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ issued a statement on Instagram clarifying that Carleton “did not identify as a member of the queer community but was an advocate for everyone in the community.”
The statement read: “Lauri’s unwavering support for the LBGTQ+ community and her dedication to creating a safe space within her shop touched the lives of many. Her untimely passing in a senseless act of violence has left us all deeply saddened.”
Bridesmaids film director Paul Feig paid tribute to Carleton with a powerful and moving message.
He wrote: “Lauri was such a wonderful person, so full of life and love. She always made us laugh and always laughed with us. Her commitment to the community in general and the LGBTQ community specifically was just one of her many wonderful qualities.”
The store posted a message encouraging people to “fly your flags in honor of Lauri.”
The community is still in shock.
