A fatal shooting allegedly occurred in Cedar Glen, an unincorporated area in San Bernardino County, California, on Friday. The deceased individual was identified as Laura Ann Carleton, a local clothing store owner and designer. According to a statement issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Ms. Carleton was allegedly shot by an unidentified male suspect outside her store.
The statement indicates the suspect confronted Ms. Carleton about a rainbow Pride flag displayed outside the store. He allegedly made disparaging comments about the flag prior to firing at Ms. Carleton. Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on foot. Sheriff’s deputies located the individual near the store and fatally shot him during an encounter in which he was armed and refused to comply with orders to disarm.
Ms. Carleton succumbed to her injuries around 5 PM on Friday. Detectives learned about the remarks made by the suspect through further investigation. The examination into this incident remains open. Homicide investigators have requested immediate contact from anyone holding information relevant to the shooting.
According to the website of her store, Ms. Carleton embarked on a fashion design career as a teenager. She attended the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena before working with Kenneth Cole Productions for over 15 years. A statement from Mr. Cole confirmed Ms. Carleton was a long-time friend and colleague. He described her death as unnecessary and tragic.
Though Ms. Carleton and her husband own a home in Studio City, Los Angeles, they also possess a historical cabin in the Lake Arrowhead area. She was married for 28 years and had 9 children. The local Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ organization released a post honoring Ms. Carleton’s support for LGBTQ rights despite not identifying as LGBTQ herself.
San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe issued a statement denouncing the hate and violence that led to this loss. She expressed solidarity with the impacted communities. According to reports, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and related incidents have risen across the nation recently. But the fundamental right to freedom of expression must be protected.