California Boutique Owner Shot & Killed Over Dispute About Gay Pride Flag Outside Her Store

Laura Ann Carleton/Photo (Instagram)

Laura Ann Carleton was allegedly shot and killed for having gay pride banners outside her store Mag.pi, in Cedar Glen, California, on Friday, August 18th. According to ABC News, 66-year-old Laura Ann and 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi had a dispute about the pride flags she had outside her business, which resulted in her death. ABC News also reports that Travis was killed after being confronted by local authorities about the shooting.

Multiple sources report that Laura Ann was a wife, a mother of nine children, and had a longstanding career in the fashion industry. She worked with the Kenneth Cole brand as an executive for several years before opening her boutique. Kenneth Cole, the LGBTQ community, and Laura's former industry associates have commented on her death via social media. Kenneth Cole stated via Twitter (X), "An unnecessary and tragic death to a long-time KCP [associate] and friend."

According to The Independent, the alleged suspect posted several anti-LGBTQ messages on social media before the murder. No reports confirm if the shooter had an ongoing issue with the former fashion executive or had a first-time run-in with her on the day of her death.

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