Patricia and Doug McKay at a family function in November 2023. Photo: Supplied
The three men accused of murdering New Zealander Patricia McKay have appeared in an Orange County Court in California.
McKay, who was 68, died outside a Newport Beach mall during an attempted robbery when she was hit by one of the accused men's cars.
Jaden Cunningham and Malachi Darnell, both 18, and Leroy McCrary, 26, have made their first court appearance.
The three are facing a charge of murder while McCrary, the alleged driver of the car that hit McKay, is also charged with attempted second-degree robbery, and evading while driving recklessly.
Cunningham is also charged with attempted second-degree robbery.
Darnell, who allegedly fired three shots at someone who chased after the fleeing car, is also charged with attempted murder and discharging a firearm, as well as attempted second-degree robbery.
Their next hearing is set down for 1 August.
On Wednesday Stuff reported the three accused had refused to leave their jail cells to attend court.
The story quoted from the Los Angeles Times which said the men made brief appearances via video links from their cells on Monday (local time) after refusing to appear in court as required.
The Daily Mail reported the three accused, who were to have appeared before Judge Andre Manssourian in Orange County Superior Court, had "pulled the same stunt" for a scheduled hearing last Friday, refusing to move from their cells just 200 metres from the courtroom.
