San Diego police are investigating a deadly shooting outside a department store that was open until 2 a.m. for last-minute Christmas shoppers.
A man and a woman were shot at 1:15 a.m. Christmas Eve outside the Macy’s at the Westfield Mission Valley Mall on Camino Del Rio North, east of downtown.
Investigators say Ilona Flint was able to call 911, despite being shot in the head and torso.
She wasn’t sure of her location but told the dispatcher she was near the mall.
Officers found her inside a Toyota Camry in the mall parking lot with Salvatore Belvedere who was shot in torso and likely the head as well, officials said.
Flint, 22, was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is expected to be done Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning.
Belvedere, remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
During a news conference Tuesday morning, Lt. Mike Hastings said police are in the process of obtaining surveillance video.
The suspect is described as a man 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-11 tall who was wearing tan pants.
A possible vehicle of interest in the case is a 2008-2011 dark gray Honda sedan, officials said.
Mall security said the mall did open at 7 a.m. as planned, though police tape cordoned off a large area around the crime scene.
Shopper Cathey Kelley said she was hesitant to come to the mall after hearing about the shooting.
"This was the only store that had what I needed," she said. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have come here."
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Kelley and her friend said they did feel safer with an increased police presence.
Jerry Hill manages the Christmas Tree lot in the Macy's parking lot and was there when the shooting happened.
"Normally, the most excitement you see here is bumper accidents on this little intersection," Hill said.
"It's just sad somebody has to lose their life over who knows what," he added.
Anyone with information can call the San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
