This browser does not support the Video element.
Eyewitness says Zina Haughton courageous during shooting
Eyewitness says Zina Haughton courageous during shooting
BROOKFIELD -- The day after a deadly mass shooting at the Azana Salon & Spa in Brookfield, the names of those killed were released. They are: 42-year-old Zina Haughton (the wife of the gunman), 38-year-old Maelyn Lind of Oconomowoc and 35-year-old Cary Robuck of Racine. Betty Brunner spoke with FOX6 News Monday, October 22nd, and said she was sitting in Zina Haughton's salon chair when 45-year-old Radcliffe Haughton opened fire early Sunday afternoon.
"She grabbed a People magazine and said 'here, read this. I'll get you some coffee,'" Brunner told FOX6 News.
Brunner said she hadn't had her hair cut by Zina Haughton in over a year, but on Sunday, October 21st, she had an appointment.
"As she was getting (the coffee), all of a sudden I saw a shadow and it was the shadow of a tall man. His hand was extended up, and I thought to myself 'oh my God, that's a gun!'" Brunner said.
Brunner said Radcliffe Haughton pointed the gun at the receptionist and said "get down." Then, Brunner said Zina Haughton walked in front of the receptionist and tried to calm down Radcliffe Haughton -- her estranged husband and protect those inside Azana Salon & Spa.
"She said 'it's all right. It's okay sir. What do you want?' She kept calling him 'sir.' She goes 'we'll give you whatever you need. These are good people here,'" Brunner said.
Brunner said Radcliffe Haughton took Zina on the other side of a wall -- out of Brunner's view, and that's when Brunner said she heard gunshots.
"When he came back around, he bent down, and that was about maybe three to four feet from what i could see, right there by me. I held my breath and pretended I was dead. I just kept telling myself I was going to get out of this," Brunner said.
Brunner already had on a salon black cape that covered her vibrant orange sweater. She said she used the skills taught to her by her husband -- a former police officer.
"I knew I had to blend in with the wall. That was why I rolled into the wall and pretended I was dead," Brunner said.
Brunner got an idea of how bad things were when she heard what she described as a very guttural sound, indicating someone was badly hurt. Then, the SWAT team arrived.
"Zina truly, truly made every effort to diffuse the situation. She was courageous and brave," Brunner said.
Brunner said she was compelled to tell her story because she wants people to understand Zina Haughton's courage. Brunner said when Zina Haughton realized Radcliffe Haughton was in the salon, she could have run the other way, but she didn't. Brunner said Zina Haughton looked her estranged husband straight in the eye and tried to protect others.
In addition to the three killed in the shooting, four females were injured in the shooting and taken to the hospital. Their names have not yet been released by officials.
CLICK HERE for additional coverage of the Azana Salon & Spa shooting via FOX6Now.com.