Chilling new details have emerged regarding the deadly Spirit Halloween shooting that resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and injuries to six others. Prosecutors stated that the teenage suspect allegedly pursued his intended victim inside a store crowded with families and children.
Monte Smith, 17, appeared in court for the first time in connection with the Oct. 30 incident at the Solano Town Center mall in Fairfield. According to KCRA3, more than 100 shoppers were present, seeking last-minute Halloween costumes when the gunfire erupted.
Solano County prosecutors characterized the attack as an act of terrorism, indicating that the accused gunman allegedly followed a man with whom he had a prior issue into the crowded store before opening fire. The suspect had entered the mall with a minor girl when he spotted the man, who was shopping with family and friends inside the Spirit Halloween store.
Prosecutors stated that Smith pursued the man into the store and brandished a semi-automatic handgun, firing into the crowd as terrified shoppers, including children, attempted to flee. The gunfire struck seven people, including the alleged intended target. Four victims remained hospitalized as of Wednesday, while two had been released.
Among the deceased was 31-year-old Constance Hages, who authorities identified as an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. Prosecutors also revealed that Hages was 13 weeks pregnant at the time of the shooting and filed a second murder charge against Smith in connection with the death of her unborn child.
Authorities reported that Smith was already on probation for a previous shooting incident in 2025, where he fired into a vehicle occupied by other teenagers in the Fairfield High School parking lot. He spent several months in juvenile detention before his release.
Smith faces two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and three counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon, along with multiple firearm enhancements and a special-circumstance allegation involving multiple murders. Prosecutors have also filed an allegation related to a prior violent offense conviction, classified as a strike under California law.
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office is seeking to try Smith as an adult, but California's Proposition 57, approved by voters in 2016, requires a judge to find clear and convincing evidence that a minor cannot be rehabilitated within the juvenile justice system before approving such a transfer.
During the court hearing, Smith's defense attorney requested his release to home placement, but the judge denied the request, ordering him to remain in juvenile detention without bail. His arraignment has been postponed to November 13 to allow his attorney more time to review evidence, including over 90 witness statements and surveillance footage. Smith was arrested on Monday at a Suisun City residence after a Fairfield police school resource officer recognized him from surveillance footage of the incident.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Bruce Flynn stated that the decision on whether Smith will be prosecuted as an adult could take several weeks. Smith is scheduled to return to Solano County Juvenile Court on November 13.