US media are reporting the three suspects in a botched robbery attempt that led to the death of a 68-year-old New Zealand tourist in California have pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
Patricia "Trish" McKay was killed after she was struck by a vehicle after a robbery at the Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach on July 3.
Leroy McCrary, Malachi Darnell and Jaden Cunningham have been charged with murder.
The Los Angeles Daily News reported there was a brief hearing in a Santa Ana courtroom today.
The newspaper reported that prosecutors identified McCrary, 26, as the getaway driver who ran over McKay; Cunningham, 18, as the masked man who grabbed her shopping bag and dragged her into the road; and Darnell, 18, as the man who fired a gunshot at a Good Samaritan who tried to stop one of the robbers from escaping.
Earlier, the trio reportedly refused to leave their cells for another court appearance.
The men are being held without bail to appear again on October 11.
In a statement, McKay's family said at the time: "No words can express our sadness as we try to come to terms with the loss of our mother, wife, and friend Patricia."
Her husband Doug was previously chairman of BNZ and chief executive at Auckland Council.
Auckland's deputy mayor Desley Simpson said they were "devastated" at the news.
"Trish was amazing, funny, loyal and loving, and this is such a terrible loss and a shock. Our deepest sympathies go out to Doug and her family."
BNZ chief executive Dan Huggins expressed similar sentiments.
"Doug and Trish have been a big part of the BNZ family and have made an exceptional contribution to both BNZ and to New Zealand. Our thoughts at this time go out to both Trish’s family, to Doug and the McKay family, and we are doing all that we can to support them at this time."
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said at the time his thoughts are "with the McKay family after the devastating loss of Trish".
"They’re great people and my heart goes out to Doug, their family and all those who knew Trish."
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