The brother of a former star from the "Real Housewives of Orange County" was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop in Newport Beach last week, leading to an investigation by the California Department of Justice. Geoffrey Stirling, 45, was pulled over on Thursday night, April 17, 2025, around 9:15 p.m. on Pacific Coast Highway, west of Superior Avenue, when the incident occurred.
According to police reports, Stirling became "uncooperative" during the stop and allegedly assaulted the officer who had pulled him over. In a dramatic turn of events, he managed to take the officer's taser and attempted to use it against the officer, prompting the officer to open fire. Stirling was treated at the scene before being transported to Hoag Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Geoffrey Stirling is the brother of Lydia McLaughlin, a well-known alum of the reality show "Real Housewives of Orange County." McLaughlin confirmed her brother's death via her Instagram account on Sunday, April 20, expressing her family's profound grief. "My family has experienced an unimaginable loss. My brother, Geoff, was tragically taken and our hearts are shattered," she wrote.
This tragic event comes just six months after the death of their mother, Judy Stirling, who passed away from breast cancer. McLaughlin reflected on the dual losses, stating, "I can’t believe we’re facing this pain just six months after losing my best friend and mother. I know they’re both with Jesus now, and He’s walking with me through this darkness. One step at a time."
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots during the incident. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described the scene, saying, "All of a sudden, they had the helicopters go in and they had the police sirens, then there were probably five shots, bop bop bop bop bop." Another neighbor noted the sound of helicopters overhead long after the shooting, indicating the police response was significant.
The Newport Beach Police Department confirmed that no officers were injured during the confrontation. State Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office announced on Friday that the state DOJ’s police shooting investigation team would conduct an independent review of the incident, as mandated by a law enacted following the 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. This law requires that officer-involved shootings resulting in the death of an unarmed civilian be investigated by an independent body.
Additionally, the Newport Beach police are required to release body camera footage of the incident within 45 days, as stipulated by a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022. This legislation classifies body camera recordings as public information in cases of fatal police shootings.
Geoffrey Stirling had a complicated background, with a criminal history that included a scheduled arraignment hearing for a felony arson charge related to a fire on March 21, 2025, just days before the shooting. Stirling had previously been charged with aggravated assault of an adult on a minor in 2012 in Maricopa County, Arizona, and was registered as a sex offender under California law.
His brother, Jesse Stirling, also shared his grief online, posting a collage of photos with Geoffrey. "Dear Brother, We have hundreds of photos together and shared thousands of adventures. I don’t even know how to begin this memorial," he wrote, adding that his brother left too soon at age 45. Jesse described Geoffrey as someone who was full of laughter and enthusiasm, and he vowed to cherish their memories together.
The Stirling family has been deeply affected by these tragic events. Their father, Scott Stirling, who is the CEO of Canadian NTV, expressed his love for his son, noting that Geoffrey was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. He highlighted Geoffrey's career as a television producer, scriptwriter, actor, and model, stating, "We miss him already."
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Geoffrey Stirling's death, the community remains in shock. Many residents were unaware of the violent confrontation until after it occurred, and the police presence in the area raised concerns among those who live nearby.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact them at (916) 210-2871. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the California Department of Justice reviews the case.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions about police conduct and the use of force, particularly in situations involving individuals with a history of criminal behavior. As the community mourns the loss of Geoffrey Stirling, questions remain about the nature of the encounter that led to his tragic death.
As the family navigates their grief, they are also faced with the complexities of Geoffrey's past and the implications of his actions during the police encounter. The Stirling family is now seeking solace in memories of their loved one while grappling with the harsh realities of their loss.
