Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Details Emerge in Seal Beach Salon Shooting
More details are coming out in the shooting that took place at an Orange County salon yesterday, killing eight people and injuring one.
KTLA reports that the suspected shooter has been identified as 42-year-old Scott Dekraai, the ex-husband of Michelle Dekraai. Michelle worked at the salon where the shooting took place, and she and Scott were allegedly involved in a custody battle over their eight-year-old son, Dominic.
Scott allegedly walked into Salon Meritage in Seal Beach wearing body armor and carrying multiple weapons, and opened fire. Six people were killed at the scene -- five women and one man -- and one was reportedly shot while trying to escape in a Range Rover.
Three people were taken to a local hospital, where two -- both men -- later died. The third, a woman, is in critical condition. Scott was arrested near the crime scene.
Among those believed to have been killed were Michelle Dekraai and Randy Fannin, the owner of the salon. According to NBC Los Angeles, the victims' identities are still being confirmed and will likely be released some time today.
Those who live near Scott were apparently shocked to hear that he was a suspect. Neighbor Stephanie Malchow told NBC that Dekraai was "the nicest guy ever,'' a sentiment echoed by others who spoke to KTLA. Some noted, though, that Scott had been publicly unhappy about having joint custody of Dominic. He also suffered a debilitating accident at work in recent years, that left him permanently disabled.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?