Gunfire at Spirit Halloween stores in two states killed two people Friday, and police in Fairfield, California, had made no arrest as of Saturday in the attack that also wounded six others.
The Fairfield shooting broke out around 8:30 p.m. inside the store at the Solano Town Center mall. Based on preliminary information, investigators believe it was a targeted attack by a single suspect, but they have not said what led to it.
The Fairfield victims
Police identified the woman who died as Constance Hages, 31. Her family told detectives she was pregnant, a claim police have not confirmed and that the Solano County Coroner is expected to resolve during an examination.
A 16-year-old boy and men ages 19 and 32 were listed in critical condition Saturday, and a 23-year-old man was critical but stable. Two other men, 19 and 43, were treated at hospitals and released.
The investigation
Detectives are reviewing surveillance video and other evidence, with help from the FBI's Sacramento office. Police asked anyone with information to call 707-428-7600 or email 1030mall@fairfield.ca.gov.
The department urged residents to stay alert and report anything suspicious during Saturday's Halloween festivities. Solano Town Center, home to 130 stores and restaurants, stayed open but canceled the trick-or-treating event it had planned for that day.
We recognize the concern and uncertainty this incident has created throughout our community, particularly with the many Halloween events and celebrations planned for today
Fairfield Police Department
A second shooting in Michigan
Hours before the California attack, a 21-year-old man was shot to death at a Spirit Halloween in Madison Heights, Michigan, about 12 miles north of Detroit. Police said he and the suspect, also 21, knew each other and got into an altercation, and the suspect shot him multiple times.
Members of the victim's family assaulted the suspect, who was hospitalized with injuries.
Spirit Halloween said both stores will stay closed for the rest of the season.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic incidents that occurred at our Spirit Halloween stores.
Spirit Halloween spokesperson
Fairfield, a city of about 120,000, sits 37 miles southwest of Sacramento, roughly midway between the capital and San Francisco. Alma Hernandez, the mayor of neighboring Suisun City, asked people to pray for the victims, their families and the officers pursuing the suspect.
