Store owner assaulted in business establishment | News

Two Arrested for Brutal Attack on California City Business Owner

CALIFORNIA CITY — A local business owner in California City was brutally attacked by two individuals in her store, leading to their arrest by the California City Police Department.

The incident occurred on April 30 at a store on California City Boulevard, where officers responded to a reported attempted robbery. Upon arrival, they found the 56-year-old business owner with multiple injuries to her head and face. She identified her attackers as a man and a woman who had been asking her for money daily.

The assailants entered the store under the pretense of needing photocopies. While the business owner was occupied with the task, the man grabbed her from behind and covered her face and mouth, attempting to drag her into the bathroom. Simultaneously, the woman repeatedly struck her with a pole, inflicting around 30 blows to her head, face, and upper body.

The victim was rushed to a local hospital for treatment and is currently recovering. The police were able to detain the suspects, 59-year-old Lita Barnes of California City and 47-year-old Shelton Hickman of Norwalk, who matched the victim’s description of her attackers. Barnes confessed to the police that she intended to kill the victim because she believed her to be “evil.”

Both suspects are facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and battery causing serious bodily injury. They are currently in custody at the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information on the case to contact the California City Police Department at 760-373-8606.