On Friday, August 18, 2023, a tragic incident took place in Cedar Glen, California, where a local clothing store owner was shot and killed by a gunman who had an apparent hatred for the LGBTQ+ community. The victim was Laura Ann Carleton, 66, who ran the Mag.Pi store near Lake Arrowhead. The suspect was Travis Ikeguchi, 27, who was later shot dead by the police after a confrontation.
What happened on that day?
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. when Ikeguchi entered the Mag.Pi store and made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow Pride flag that stood outside the store. He then pulled down the flag and shot Carleton once with a handgun. He fled the scene and was located by the deputies near Torrey Road and Rause Rancho Road, armed with the same weapon. He was killed during a lethal force encounter with the deputies, who did not sustain any injuries.
The weapon used by Ikeguchi was a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic pistol that was not registered to him. His family had reported him as missing the day before the shooting.
Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene by the emergency medical responders. She left behind her husband of 28 years, Bort Carleton, and nine children.
Who was Laura Ann Carleton?
Laura Ann Carleton, also known as Lauri or Laurie, was a beloved figure in the Lake Arrowhead community. She opened her first Mag.Pi store in Studio City in 2019 and expanded to Cedar Glen in 2021. She sold clothing, accessories, gifts and home decor items at her stores.
She was also a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community and proudly displayed a Pride flag outside her store. She had faced vandalism and harassment for her flag several times, but she always replaced it with a bigger one. She was not afraid to stand up to bigotry and hate speech.
She was described by her family and friends as a kind, generous, fearless and fun-loving person who had a passion for life. She was also an avid traveler, hiker and animal lover.
She received many tributes from her customers, neighbors and celebrities who knew her personally or through her store. One of them was Paul Feig, the director of movies such as Bridesmaids and The Heat, who called her his “wonderful friend” and said that “this intolerance has to end”.
READ ALSO:- Lauri Carleton’s Daughters: Ari Carleton & Kelson Carleton Speak out after their Mom’s Death in a Hate Crime
Who was Travis Ikeguchi?
Travis Ikeguchi was a resident of Cedar Glen who had expressed strong opposition to the LGBTQ+ community through his social media posts. He had also made anti-democratic and anti-vaccine statements online.
He had a criminal record that included charges of burglary, theft and drug possession. He had also been involved in domestic violence incidents with his ex-girlfriend.
He had been reported missing by his family on Thursday, August 17, 2023, after he left his home without his phone or wallet. His family said that he had been suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse problems.
He had no apparent connection to Carleton or her store before the shooting.
What is the impact of this incident?
This incident has shocked and saddened the Lake Arrowhead community and beyond. It has also raised awareness about the rising violence and hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community in the United States.
According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League and GLAAD released in July 2023, there has been an increase in anti-LGBTQ harassment, vandalism and assault in the country in recent years. The report also highlighted the role of social media platforms in spreading misinformation and hate speech that can incite violence.
The Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ group is planning to hold a vigil for Carleton once Tropical Storm Hilary passes. They have also launched a fundraiser to support Carleton’s family and to create a memorial for her.
Many people have also expressed their solidarity with Carleton’s legacy by displaying Pride flags outside their homes and businesses.
