News Summary
In a tragic incident in Tustin, California, an off-duty sheriff’s deputy has been placed on administrative leave following the fatal shooting of their roommate, Brittany Shaw. The deputy reportedly mistook Shaw for an intruder early Friday morning. Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the shooting, and the local community is in shock as questions linger about how such a grave mistake could happen. The deputy is currently on paid leave as the investigation unfolds, while Shaw’s colleagues mourn the loss of a dedicated health services chief.
Tustin, California – An off-duty Orange County sheriff’s deputy has been placed on administrative leave after fatally shooting their roommate early Friday morning in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity. The incident took place around 5:22 a.m. at the Axiom Tustin apartments, located in the 13000 block of Tustin East Drive.
The victim, identified as Brittany Shaw, 35, was shot multiple times after returning home from walking her dog shortly after the shooting occurred. Shaw was quickly transported to the Orange County Global Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, with initial reports suggesting that the deputy may have mistaken Shaw for an intruder upon her return home. The Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner confirmed that Shaw and the deputy were roommates, raising questions about how such a tragic error could occur.
Neighbors in the area reported hearing several gunshots during the early morning hours and expressed shock and disbelief over the nature of the incident. Some residents did not hear the gunfire at all, adding to the confusion surrounding the event.
The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave while Tustin police conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. The specific details leading up to the shooting remain unclear, and investigators have not yet publicly identified the deputy.
Health Care Agency Director Veronica Kelley expressed great sadness regarding Shaw’s death, especially considering her six years of dedicated service at the Intake Release Center, where she worked as the correctional health services chief. Shaw’s colleagues are expected to feel the profound impact of her loss as she was well-regarded within her professional community.
The ongoing investigation is still in its early stages, and officials are working diligently to gather more information and clarify the events that transpired during the incident. Neighbors continue to express their shock, questioning how anyone, particularly a deputy, could accidentally shoot a roommate.
As the investigation continues, the Tustin community is left reeling from this tragic incident. Authorities have reiterated the importance of accuracy in reporting these circumstances to avoid misinformation regarding the situation.
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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.
