The Lake Arrowhead community is grappling with the tragic shooting death of store owner Laura Ann Carleton, who was reportedly killed for hanging a Pride flag outside her clothing store in Cedar Glen. Authorities say 27-year-old Cedar Glen resident Travis Ikeguchi shot the 66-year-old owner of Mag Pi store last Friday night. Ikeguchi fled on foot after the shooting but was later confronted and killed by deputies.
The news of Carleton’s sudden death has left the community, especially those who knew her, in shock. Beverly Eskew, a Lake Arrowhead gastropub owner, was informed of Carleton’s death by a woman who rushed into her restaurant on the night of the murder. Upon understanding the reason behind the killing, Eskew immediately removed her own Pride flag, fearing for the safety of her patrons and staff.
Eskew expressed that there has been a growing sense of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the mountain community since she opened her restaurant, Spade and Spatula, three years ago. She noted that Carleton, a married mother of nine, was a staunch advocate for the gay community. Carleton also owned another Mag Pi location in Studio City, where many are paying their respects.
The victim’s daughters released a joint statement on social media expressing their grief over the sudden loss of their mother. San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus confirmed that the investigation into the incident is ongoing. The gun used in the crime was found to be unregistered, and Ikeguchi’s family had reported him missing the day before the shooting took place.
This tragic event highlights the grave social issue of hate crimes, underscoring the need for community vigilance, support for diversity, and a unified stand against bigotry and hatred.