News Summary
A tragic incident in Tustin, California, occurred when an off-duty Orange County sheriff’s deputy accidentally shot their roommate, Brittany Shaw, who later died from her injuries. The shooting happened at the Axiom Tustin apartments as Shaw returned from walking her dog. The deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave as the Tustin Police Department investigates the circumstances surrounding the incident, highlighting the dangers of firearm mismanagement and mistaken identity.
Tustin, California – Off-Duty Deputy Accidentally Shoots Roommate
The Tustin Police Department is currently investigating a tragic shooting incident involving an off-duty Orange County sheriff’s deputy who accidentally shot their roommate, Brittany Shaw, early Friday morning. The incident took place at the Axiom Tustin apartments, located in the 13000 block of Tustin East Drive.
Authorities reported that the shooting resulted in multiple gunshot wounds to Shaw, a 35-year-old resident of the apartment. Following the incident, she was immediately transported to Orange County Global Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
As part of standard procedure following such incidents, the off-duty deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave. The identity of the deputy has not been disclosed to the public as the investigation unfolds.
Details of the Incident
Information suggests that prior to the shooting, Shaw had been walking her dog around 5:30 a.m. Upon her return, it appears that she may have been mistaken for an intruder in the home where she and the deputy were living together. Witness reports regarding the gunfire indicate that while the sounds of shots were not heard by neighbors, there were reports of someone in distress following the incident.
Victim Background
Brittany Shaw was recognized as a dedicated employee of the Orange County Health Care Agency, where she worked specifically with the county jail system. Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner stated that Shaw had held the position of correctional health services chief at the Intake Release Center for six years. The loss of Shaw is anticipated to have a significant impact across all levels of the Health Care Agency and the wider county family.
Ongoing Investigation
The Tustin Police Department is thoroughly exploring all aspects of the circumstances leading to the shooting. Investigators have not yet clarified what events specifically led to the deputy firing their weapon, and the case is currently treated as a death investigation. The police department is working diligently to gather further information to understand the situation better and to provide answers to those affected by the incident.
This tragic event underscores the need for careful handling of firearms and the potential consequences of mistaken identity in domestic settings. The community and coworkers of Brittany Shaw are left mourning her untimely death, highlighting the broader implications of such incidents on personal lives and community safety.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7
- Wikipedia: Police Shooting
- CBS News
- Google Search: Tustin California shooting
- OC Register
- Google Scholar: Tustin police shooting
- Fox LA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tustin shooting
- MyNewsLA
- Google News: Tustin sheriffs deputy shooting
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
