Scott Dekraai

Mass Murderer

Scott Dekraai and the 2011 Seal Beach Salon Massacre

Background

Scott Evans Dekraai carried out a mass shooting at Salon Meritage in Seal Beach, California, on October 12, 2011. He killed eight people and seriously wounded a ninth victim during an attack lasting only a few minutes. The shooting became the deadliest mass killing in the recorded history of Orange County. Dekraai was born on October 17, 1969, and lived in Huntington Beach, California. He had previously worked as a tugboat operator. In February 2007, he suffered severe injuries during an accident aboard a tugboat, leaving him with significant damage to one of his legs. Relatives and acquaintances later described changes in his behavior following the accident. Dekraai had been married to Michelle Marie Fournier, a hairstylist employed at Salon Meritage. The couple married in 2003 and divorced in 2007. After their separation, they became involved in a prolonged and increasingly bitter dispute concerning custody of their young son. Court records documented repeated disagreements over visitation, parenting arrangements and Fournier's request for greater control over the child's medical and educational decisions.

Events Before the Shooting

On the morning of October 12, 2011, Dekraai and Fournier reportedly argued during a telephone conversation concerning their custody dispute. Dekraai later told investigators that the argument caused him to begin thinking about killing her. He armed himself with three handguns: a 9mm Springfield semiautomatic pistol, a .45-caliber Heckler & Koch semiautomatic pistol and a .44 Magnum Smith & Wesson revolver. He also wore body armor and carried additional ammunition. His preparation, choice of weapons and conduct inside the salon demonstrated that the attack was planned rather than spontaneous.

The Attack at Salon Meritage

At approximately 1:21 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, Dekraai arrived at Salon Meritage, located at 500 Pacific Coast Highway in Seal Beach. Approximately 20 employees and customers were inside the business. Dekraai entered the salon and began firing. Witnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire as customers and employees attempted to hide, escape through doors or flee into neighboring businesses. The salon's owner, Randy Lee Fannin, reportedly attempted to reason with Dekraai and persuade him to take the dispute outside. Fannin was shot and killed. Dekraai moved through the salon, firing at employees and customers. His former wife, Michelle Fournier, was shot multiple times. He continued shooting other people who had no involvement in the custody conflict. Investigators determined that he reloaded at least one weapon during the attack. After leaving the salon, Dekraai encountered David Caouette, who was seated in a vehicle in the parking lot. Caouette had been visiting a nearby restaurant and had no known connection to Dekraai or Fournier. Dekraai fired through the vehicle's windows and killed him. Dekraai later claimed that he mistakenly thought Caouette might be an undercover or off-duty police officer. The shooting lasted approximately two minutes. Six victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Three wounded people were transported to hospitals, where two later died. Hattie Stretz, the mother of victim Laura Webb, survived despite suffering critical gunshot injuries. ...

Confirmed Victims: (8)

Victoria Buzzo 54 yr old Female

2011 Seal Beach shooting