Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Charged with Manslaughter in Fatal Shooting of Fiancée at Tustin Apartment

Deputy Aimee Alexis Hidalgo faces 21 years for the 2025 shooting of Brittany Shaw. Prosecutors allege Shaw was shot 9 times in their Tustin apartment.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 4:40 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CBS News Los Angeles.

Surrender and Arraignment of Five Year Veteran Deputy

The legal proceedings regarding the death of a county healthcare worker took a significant step forward on Monday as Aimee Alexis Hidalgo turned herself in to the Tustin Police Department. Hidalgo, a 28-year-old deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), was officially charged by the District Attorney’s Office with one felony count of voluntary manslaughter and a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a firearm. The charges stem from an August 2025 incident that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Brittany Shaw. Hidalgo, who was assigned to the Orange County Jail at the time of the shooting, has been on administrative leave throughout the investigation.

Timeline of the August 2025 Shooting Incident

According to the factual summary released by prosecutors, the fatal encounter occurred at approximately 5:20 a.m. on August 8, 2025, at the Axion Tustin apartments. Investigators determined that Brittany Shaw had left the studio apartment she shared with Hidalgo to take their dog for a walk. Shaw returned approximately ten minutes later. Prosecutors allege that within seconds of Shaw re-entering the residence, Hidalgo opened fire. Despite Hidalgo calling 911 and attempting to perform CPR, paramedics pronounced Shaw dead at the scene. The couple had reportedly been planning a destination wedding in Mexico scheduled for November 2025.

Coroner’s Report Details Nine Gunshot Wounds

The District Attorney’s Office highlighted specific findings from the coroner’s report to underscore the severity of the shooting. The autopsy revealed that Shaw was struck nine times, with wounds located in her torso, right arm, and head. Of particular note was the head wound, which was determined to have been inflicted at "close intermediate range." Forensic analysis indicated the firearm was discharged less than eight inches from Shaw’s head. These details have become central to the prosecution’s argument that the use of force was excessive and criminal, regardless of the initial circumstances.