A 17‑year‑old California teen now faces adult murder charges after a deadly shooting at a Spirit Halloween store. Prosecutors say the attack left a pregnant mother dead and six others wounded.
Teen Faces Adult Murder Charges
Monte Smith was arrested Nov. 2 after police linked him to the Fairfield Solano Town Center massacre that killed Constance Hages, 31, and injured six victims, according to Fairfield police.
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office filed two murder counts and asked a judge to move the case to adult court, citing Smith’s prior violent record and the seriousness of the crimes.
Police Chief Dan Marshall warned that youth violence must stop, saying “It’s time for change in California,” during a press briefing reported by KTVU.
Smith had been arrested earlier in 2025 for a separate shooting in a high school parking lot, served a sentence, and was released, the department confirmed.
The DA’s office argued that Smith should remain detained, noting his criminal history and the threat to public safety, according to the charging documents.
Hages left four children, and her aunt Clanisha Morton launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and support the family, police said.
Investigators say Smith entered the store around 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, identified a target, opened fire with a handgun, and fled as officers arrived, a school resource officer later identified him from surveillance video.
He was located at a residence in Suisun City after detectives used the video and the officer’s recognition, police reported.
Smith faces two murder counts, three attempted murder counts, three assault with a semiautomatic weapon counts, multiple gun enhancements and a multiple‑murder special circumstance, the DA’s office announced.
His arraignment and detention hearing is set for Nov. 4 at 9 a.m., pending a judge’s decision on the adult prosecution request.
Six victims remain hospitalized, three in critical condition, while two others have been released after treatment, officials reported.
Anyone with information can call Fairfield police at 707‑428‑7600 or email 1030mall@fairfield.ca.gov, the department urged.
Police emphasized that the investigation continues and that accountability will be pursued for the lives impacted by this senseless act of violence.
