A California teen released after a prior shooting arrest is now accused of gunning down a pregnant mother of four at a Spirit Halloween store, prompting prosecutors to push to try the 17-year-old as an adult.
Monte Smith was arrested Nov. 2 after the attack at Fairfield’s Solano Town Center left Constance Hages, 31, dead and six others wounded, according to Fairfield police.
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office has also charged him with two counts of murder and asked a judge to move his case to adult court.
CALIFORNIA GUNMAN REPEATEDLY RELEASED BEFORE DEADLY RAMPAGE, FIERY SHOOTOUT WITH DEPUTIES
Smith had already been arrested in another shooting before the deadly attack at Spirit Halloween, according to Fairfield police. That case involved gunfire in a local high school parking lot after school hours in 2025. He received a sentence and was later released, the department said.
“It’s time for change in California,” Fairfield Police Chief Dan Marshall said, according to KTVU. “I don’t know how many more people have to die at the hands of youth. Hopefully we’ve had plenty enough.”
MARYLAND MAN ACCUSED OF GIRL’S FATAL SHOOTING RELEASED FROM PRISON DAYS BEFORE
Prosecutors also pointed to Smith’s record in explaining why they want him kept in custody.
“Due to the seriousness of these crimes, the minor’s criminal record, and the threat to public safety, the people will argue that Smith remain detained,” the DA’s office said.
TWO TEEN SUSPECTS HELD AFTER 5 FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED IN ‘TARGETED MASS SHOOTING’
The filing also alleges a prior violent offense conviction, described as a strike, though the DA’s announcement did not specify the underlying offense.
Hages’ death has left four children without their mother, according to a GoFundMe organized by her aunt, Clanisha Morton. Police confirmed Hages was pregnant when she was killed.
“Constance was deeply loved, and her absence has created an overwhelming void in the lives of everyone who knew and cherished her,” Morton wrote.
The family is raising money for funeral expenses and care for her children.
15-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED OF FIRING INTO CROWD DURING DEADLY SEATTLE MASS SHOOTING CLAIMS SELF-DEFENSE
The gunfire erupted around 8:30 p.m. Oct. 30, after Smith allegedly walked into the store and spotted another customer whom investigators believe he intended to target, police said.
He pulled out a gun and fired multiple rounds, striking that person and six others, according to police. Hages died at the scene.
Investigators have not identified the intended target or said what led to the shooting.
Smith fled within minutes, just as officers arrived, police said. As first responders treated the wounded, a school resource officer helped investigators identify the suspect.
The officer recognized Smith as a former student while reviewing surveillance video from the store and immediately alerted detectives, according to police. That recognition helped identify him within hours of the initial 911 call, and detectives ultimately located him at a residence in neighboring Suisun City.
Police initially withheld Smith’s name because of his age. The DA’s office later publicly identified him in its charging announcement.
CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION SHOOTING KILLS TEEN, INJURES CHILD AND TWO OTHERS
The FBI also assisted with the investigation, confirming to Fox News Digital that its Evidence Response Team helped Fairfield police process a portion of the crime scene.
In addition to the two murder counts, Smith faces three counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault with a semiautomatic weapon and multiple gun enhancements, according to the DA’s office. Prosecutors also filed a multiple-murder special circumstance allegation.
The office announced that Smith’s arraignment and detention hearing was scheduled for Nov. 4 at 9 a.m. Its request to prosecute him as an adult requires a judge’s approval.
Police have not identified the school involved in the earlier shooting or said when Smith was released in that case.
In an update Saturday about the surviving victims, police said a 16-year-old boy, a 19-year-old man and a 32-year-old man were in critical condition, while a 23-year-old man was in critical but stable condition. Two other men, ages 19 and 43, had been treated for gunshot wounds and released.
The department’s arrest announcement did not provide updated conditions.
“Although an arrest has been made, our work is not over,” Fairfield police said. “The criminal justice process will now move forward, and we remain committed to ensuring accountability for the lives impacted by this senseless act of violence.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Fairfield police at 707-428-7600 or email 1030mall@fairfield.ca.gov.