A Connecticut man was charged Tuesday in weekend shoot left one man dead and three others injured in the parking lot of Trader Joe’s in the San Fernando Valley, according to the Los Angeles district attorney’s office.
Mark Connore, 34, faces one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder, as well as special charges of using a handgun and causing serious bodily harm.
“This blatant act of violence happened mid-afternoon Saturday. Innocent shoppers can easily be injured or killed,” Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Gascón said in a statement. “This shocking level of disregard for the safety and well-being of our community will not be tolerated.”
The violence happened around 3:45 p.m. Saturday at a West Hills mall that also includes Target, Home Depot and Walmart.
Prosecutors did not respond when asked what prompted the shooting.
Connor is alleged to have shot the victims and fled the scene in a car. Officers on a Los Angeles Police Department helicopter saw him get into another car. Connor and the driver of the second car, Amy Waters, were arrested at Owensmouth Avenue and Saticoy Street after a brief pursuit. Two guns were recovered.
Waters, 33, has been charged with being an accessory after the fact, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and reckless driving while attempting to flee a police officer.
The pair were scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday at the Van Nuys branch of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, but their trials continue through April 13.
