A 17-year-old accused of killing a pregnant woman and wounding six other people inside a crowded California Halloween store has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutors are seeking to have the case transferred to adult court.
Monte Smith faces two murder counts, three counts of attempted murder and three counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon in connection with the Oct. 30 shooting at a Spirit Halloween location inside Fairfield’s Solano Town Center mall.
One murder charge relates to the death of 31-year-old Constance Hages, who was 13 weeks pregnant when she was shot. Prosecutors have also charged Smith in connection with the loss of her unborn child.
According to prosecutors, Smith went into the store looking for a man involved in a previous dispute. He allegedly opened fire while more than 100 shoppers, including families with children, were inside browsing Halloween costumes.
Six additional people were injured in the attack, including a 16-year-old boy and five men ranging in age from 19 to 43.
Authorities say Smith was already serving probation for an earlier shooting when the deadly incident occurred.
In that case, prosecutors allege he fired at a vehicle carrying several teenagers in the parking lot of Fairfield High School in 2025. Smith spent months in juvenile detention before his release.
Prosecutors are now asking the court to move the latest case into the adult criminal justice system.
“The law guiding the prosecution of minors has shifted substantially over the last 30 years,” the Solano County District Attorney’s Office said.
Officials expect a report early next year that will help determine whether Smith should be prosecuted as an adult.
Smith remains in juvenile hall. His next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 10.
