Weather 
SANTA ANA, Calif. () — An Orange County sheriff’s deputy accused of fatally shooting her fiancée appeared in court Friday morning, more than a year after prosecutors say the shooting occurred inside the couple’s Tustin home.
Prosecutors allege that Aimee Alexis Hidalgo shot Brittany Shaw nine times on August 8, 2025. Hidalgo has been charged with one count of voluntary manslaughter with a felony enhancement for personal use of a firearm.
Shaw’s family gathered inside the courtroom with about 40 relatives and friends as they continued to push for more serious charges.
“We have that support and it shows truly how special and amazing Brittany was,” said Janaea Parrish, Shaw’s sister.
Parrish described her younger sister as a compassionate person who worked in the jail system and focused on mental health and social work. Shaw was 35 years old when she was killed.
“She was kind to everyone. She worked in the jails, in social work, with mental health specifically, and even the inmates loved her. She would tell us stories about how the inmates adored her and cared for her because she was an advocate for them, and she is an advocate for everyone that she loved,” Parrish said.
According to prosecutors, Ring camera footage shows Shaw leaving the couple’s home at about 5:10 a.m. to walk her dog and returning about 10 minutes later. Prosecutors allege that seconds after she returned, Hidalgo shot her nine times.
One of the gunshot wounds was to the head. According to the coroner’s report, that shot was fired at close intermediate range, less than eight inches away.
Hidalgo called 911, but Shaw was pronounced dead.
County leaders told Eyewitness News that Hidalgo allegedly believed her fiancée was an intruder.
During Friday’s arraignment, Hidalgo, who is out on bail, appeared before a judge. Hidalgo’s attorney Paul Meyer entered a not guilty plea on her behalf.
After the plea was entered, the judge set a November deadline for a pre-sentence report.
Shaw’s family said they believe the current charge does not reflect the circumstances of the case and are urging supporters to contact prosecutors.
“For anyone that wants to write letters to the DA to continue to up the charges, we would love that. It’s being noticed and we will continue to fight for justice,” Parrish said.
Parrish said the family believes more severe charges are warranted.
“Anything at this point, but honestly, first or second degree. You don’t shoot someone nine times on accident,” she said.
Hidalgo is scheduled to return to court Oct. 9.
© 2026 Television,
