(Deceased Murder Suspect Travis Ikeguchi & Deceased Victim Laura Ann Carleton)

Palm Springs, CA

Murdered over putting up a pride flag. That’s what happened on Friday evening around 5pm in the town of Cedar Glen, an unincorporated community in San Bernadino off the shores of Lake Arrowhead.

Laura Ann Carleton, an ally of the LGBTQ community and mother of nine was killed outside of her clothing store where she raised the pride flag. The suspected killer, Travis Ikeguchi, aged 27 is now dead, shot by police in a fatal confrontation after fleeing the scene. He was a son of a policeman himself.

Ikeguchi previously posted anti gay content on his twitter showing an image of a burned pride flag here:

(Anti Gay Twitter Post by Travis Ikeguchi)

Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner reacted to the murder LGBTQ ally Lauri Carleton by saying:

“The City of Palm Springs is shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of San Bernardino County shop owner and LGBTQ ally Lauri Carleton, who passed away after she was shot by a suspect for allegedly displaying an LGBTQ pride flag outside her shop Friday evening in Cedar Glen, near Lake Arrowhead. 

On behalf of the citizens of Palm Springs, we send our deepest condolences to Lauri’s family, friends, and to the Cedar Glen/Lake Arrowhead community as they mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, business owner, and LGBTQ ally. 

Hate crimes must never be tolerated. To our Palm Springs LGBTQ citizens, please know that the Palm Springs Police Department takes all hate crimes seriously and are proactively monitoring the events in the Cedar Glen/Lake Arrowhead community. Your City Council, public safety, and City Hall staff are committed to ensuring an inclusive, safe, and welcoming community where you are loved, respected, and celebrated. Palm Springs is a place for everyone and we pledge to keep you safe.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom also responded to the crime, writing on Twitter:

“This is absolutely horrific. A shop owner has been shot and killed by a man after he criticized the pride flag hanging outside her business. Lauri leaves behind her husband and 9 children. This disgusting hate has no place in CA.”