Former RHOC star Lydia McLaughlin’s brother shot dead by police, new details reveal what happened

Lydia McLaughlin, known for her appearances on The Real Housewives of Orange County, is mourning the death of her brother, Geoffrey Shyam Stirling, who was fatally shot by police during a traffic stop in Newport Beach, California.

According to law enforcement sources cited by TMZ, Stirling was riding a motorcycle along the Pacific Coast Highway on Thursday night when he was pulled over by Newport Beach police officers. Authorities say Stirling became uncooperative during the stop and allegedly assaulted an officer, managing to grab the officer’s taser and attempting to deploy it multiple times. In response, police say, an officer-involved shooting occurred. Stirling, 45, was given medical aid at the scene before being transported to a hospital, where he later died.

No officers were reported injured during the incident.

The California Department of Justice has confirmed that it is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. Upon completion, the case will be reviewed by the DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section.

In a statement provided to TMZ, McLaughlin said, “My family and I are devastated by the loss of my brother. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and the community. We kindly ask for privacy as we mourn.”

McLaughlin was a cast member on Season 8 of RHOC, appearing alongside Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Judge, Gretchen Rossi, Alexis Bellino, and Heather Dubrow, and later returned for Season 12.

The incident has raised questions about use of force during traffic stops, and the independent review is expected to determine whether police followed proper procedures.

Stirling’s death marks another high-profile case under scrutiny amid ongoing discussions about police accountability in California.