New details have emerged over the shocking case of a Kiwi woman who died during a Californian robbery in July as three men have been ordered to stand trial.
In a preliminary court hearing today, police testified that Doug McKay told them he tried to warn the driver his wife was on the ground in front of the car before it took off, according to the Los Angeles Times newspaper.
Witnesses said two robbers appeared to be after her husband’s watch but turned their attention to her bag.
LeRoy Ernest Joseph McCrary, 26, of Los Angeles, Malachi Eddward Darnell, 18, of Los Angeles, and Jaden Cunningham, 18, of Lancaster, are charged with the murder.
The charge also includes a special circumstance allegation of killing during a robbery and the felony enhancement of causing the death of an elder over 65.
According to the LA Times, Senior Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney argued during the preliminary hearing that McCrary was driving a Toyota Camry and Darnell and Cunningham got out and attempted to rob Doug McKay of his watch.
Birney claimed the husband fell after a struggle with the suspects, while two others began trying to steal his wife’s purse.
Authorities also said shots were fired at one man who tried to intervene.
“Police witnesses testified during the hearing that Patricia McKay wound up on the ground in the roadway, where she was run over by the Camry and dragged about 30 yards as the suspects tried to escape,” the LA Times reported.
Prosecutors earlier revealed Doug McKay leapt in front of the advancing car to try to stop her from being run over.
The trio are accused of then fleeing the scene, prompting a police chase. Cunningham got out of the car during this time and was arrested in the Cypress area, according to authorities.
The trio will reappear to be arraigned on December 23. If found guilty, they could face the death penalty.
According to the LA Times, Cunningham’s attorney, Ray Chen, did not dispute his client’s role in the robbery but said he should not be held liable for the killing.
Chen argued Cunningham was “unarmed” and was attempting to commit strongarm robbery.
In a statement issued in July, McKay family spokesman Nick Hern said the family wanted to express their “deep gratitude” for the support they had received since Patricia McKay’s death.
“In particular, teams from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the New Zealand Embassy in Washington and the office of Consulate General in Los Angeles have been extraordinary in the work they are doing helping our family, including liaising with state and federal authorities in the US.”
