Constance Hages was a 31-year-old mother of four with another child on the way. Family described her as a happy woman who loved her children. She had previously worked at the San Francisco International Airport. Her life was cut short in a burst of violence while she was out shopping just before Halloween.
The evening of Friday, October 30, 2026, was busy at the Spirit Halloween store inside the Solano Town Center in Fairfield, California. Shoppers were picking up last-minute items for the holiday weekend. At approximately 8:30 p.m., the festive atmosphere was shattered by the sound of gunfire. A lone gunman opened fire inside the crowded store, causing immediate panic. Witnesses described shoppers freezing in shock before scrambling for cover, diving between clothing racks, and desperately searching for an escape. One witness heard a mother crying out for her child amid the chaos.
Some people managed to force open a security gate to get back into the main mall area, while others were directed by employees through a staff hallway to an emergency exit.
When Fairfield Police Department officers arrived at the mall on Travis Boulevard, they found a horrific scene. Seven people had been shot. Constance, who was pregnant, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Six other people, all males ranging in age from 16 to 43, were wounded and rushed to local hospitals. Two of the victims, men aged 19 and 43, were treated for their injuries and released. The other four remained hospitalized, with a 16-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man, and a 32-year-old man listed in critical condition. A 23-year-old man was in stable condition as of early November 2026.
The Fairfield Police Department immediately launched an investigation, calling the shooting a "heinous act of violence." They stated that preliminary evidence indicated it was a targeted incident involving a single suspect who fled the scene before police arrived. Investigators have not publicly identified who the target may have been. Detectives began actively reviewing surveillance video from the mall and other evidence to identify the person responsible. The FBI's Sacramento field office also deployed its Evidence Response Team to assist with processing the large crime scene.
In the wake of the tragedy, community leaders expressed their sorrow and condemnation. Fairfield Mayor Rick Vaccaro called it a "horrific incident" and urged the community to support one another. Congressman John Garamendi stated, "What should have been a weekend of celebration has turned into a tragedy." The Spirit Halloween company issued a statement expressing deep sadness and announced the store would remain closed for the rest of the season out of respect for the victims. The Solano Town Center canceled its planned "Mall-O-Ween" trick-or-treating event.
As of November 2026, the investigation into the murder of Constance Hages and the wounding of six others is ongoing. No arrests have been made, and the suspect remains at large. The Fairfield Police Department has asked for the public's help, encouraging anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. Anyone with tips is urged to contact the department at 707-428-7600 or by email at [email protected].
