Murder of Ken and McKenna Evans: Mom says she’s ‘destroyed’ after husband, daughter stabbed to death
Warning: This content contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers' discretion is advised.
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA: Elizabeth Evans, the mother of McKenna Evans and wife of Ken Evans from Los Angeles, says, "I am completely destroyed," after her child and husband were stabbed to death in a random attack in the parking lot of the Destination O Eight Shopping Center in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 27.
According to Daily Mail, the mother said, "McKenna wasn't just my daughter, she was my best friend." The argument between three people led to the stabbing, which resulted in the death of the father-daughter duo, reports US News. A man suspected as the culprit was arrested from the scene soon after the incident.
READ MORE
Who killed Pat Stay? Rapper, 36, STABBED to death just days after dropping The Game diss track
It is believed that the suspect and the victims appeared to have been living in their vehicles. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement, “The suspect had asked the male adult victim for assistance regarding his vehicle, during which an argument ensued. The argument led to a physical fight and ultimately the stabbing of both victims." According to KTLA, the mother believes the suspect was on drugs and claimed that her husband tried to shield their daughter from the attacker while they were repeatedly stabbed. Investigators are yet to find the murder weapon.
Meanwhile, her mother said "She was an absolute beacon," she said. "She didn't know a stranger. Everybody became her best friend." Further, she spoke of Ken, "He loved playing pool, he loved mountain biking, he loved spending time with his daughter." She further claims about the suspect, "When he was in handcuffs, he smirked,' she said. 'He had a smirk on his face. How dare he? I hope he never gets out of prison."
Meanwhile, a witness who wishes to stay anonymous told Daily Mail, "'He walked away from it, came back and started stabbing her again." Then walked away again. Came back. Kicked her, stabbed her two times in the abdomen, and walked away, "she added. She also explained how he stabbed Ken, "He got stabbed a couple of times, and then he was trying to get back into his vehicle where he continued to stab him."
Meanwhile, McKenna's boyfriend, Jesse Mercado stated, "My heart didn't want it to be true, All I want from this is just one more time ... just one more time. Can I just hold her one more time? And say my goodbyes and that's it. Tell her I love her. I'll always love her."
Meanwhile, there have been conversations regarding cleaning the crime spot after the attack. Bonnie Haberstick, a customer who visited the mall claims, "It's all the bandages and they are all bloody and gloves and gauze - I mean who does that? Everything was left," she said to ABC 7. Meanwhile, Ben Mihm, a retired detective who owns his own detective agency stated, "It's always best to clean the scene because you do have to protect from biohazards. You don't want somebody to walk in there and be stepping into and walking through it." The sheriff's department stated that cleaning protocols are being followed.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth posted on her Facebook wall, "Thank you to everyone for their love and support. Please keep Macca's wonderful boyfriend Jesse Mercado in your thoughts and prayers. This man truly loves my daughter!! They were just starting their lives together. The pure love and respect they showed one another is a goal for all couples. I love him like my own son."
A GoFundMe campaign was started to meet the funeral expenses of the father-daughter duo. The campaign note stated, "On Thursday, October 27th, at noon, a father and daughter were brutally murdered by a homeless man in Palmdale, CA, in the Khol's Parking lot on 10th street west. Please help the family with their loss and provide financial support for burial expenses."