Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Charged with Manslaughter for Fiancée's Killing

Brittany Shaw was shot nine times by her fiancée, Aimee Hidalgo, a five-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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An Orange County Sheriff's Department deputy has been charged with voluntary manslaughter for fatally shooting her fiancée, Brittany Shaw, at their Tustin apartment last year. Prosecutors say Hidalgo shot Shaw nine times, including a fatal shot to the head, just minutes after Shaw returned home from a walk with her dog.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about domestic violence and the use of force by law enforcement, even when off-duty. It also highlights the need for thorough investigations and accountability for all individuals, regardless of their profession or position of authority.

The details

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on August 8, 2025, around 5:20 a.m. at the Axion Tustin apartments. Brittany Shaw had left the studio apartment she shared with Aimee Hidalgo, a Tustin resident and Orange County sheriff's deputy, for an early morning walk with her dog. Seconds after Shaw returned, Hidalgo is accused of shooting her fiancée nine times, including a fatal shot to the head at close range.

  • The incident occurred on August 8, 2025, around 5:20 a.m.
  • Hidalgo was charged with one felony count of manslaughter and one felony enhancement of personal use of a firearm on March 10, 2026.

The players

Brittany Shaw

A 28-year-old Tustin resident who worked with the Orange County Health Care Agency for nearly six years before her killing.

Aimee Alexis Hidalgo

A 35-year-old Orange County Sheriff's Department deputy with five years of experience, who is accused of fatally shooting her fiancée, Brittany Shaw.

Orange County District Attorney's Office

The office that charged Hidalgo with voluntary manslaughter and a firearm enhancement.

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What they’re saying

“Human life is our most precious gift, and to lose the gift of life in your own home at the hands of someone you were engaged to is an indescribable tragedy.”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney (CBS News)

“The badge is not a shield from prosecution; rather it is a symbol of the oath a sworn officer takes to uphold the law, on and off duty. When that oath is broken, the law applies equally to those with and without a badge and our duty to pursue justice for Brittany and all of those who loved her will be pursued in a court of law.”

— Todd Spitzer, Orange County District Attorney (CBS News)

What’s next

If convicted as charged, Hidalgo faces a maximum sentence of 21 years in state prison. She remains on administrative leave from the sheriff's department, where she was assigned to the Orange County Jail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for thorough investigations and accountability for all individuals, regardless of their profession or position of authority. It also underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence and the use of force by law enforcement, even when off-duty.