SEAL BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Police in Southern California say a woman who survived a massacre at a hair salon remains in critical condition.

Sgt. Steve Bowles says the woman remains hospitalised Thursday but is showing some improvement. Her name hasn’t been released.

Eight people died Wednesday after a gunman burst through the door at Salon Meritage in the quiet Los Angeles suburb of Seal Beach.

Police arrested 42-year-old Scott Dekraai about a half-mile from the scene. Acquaintances say he’d been involved in a bitter custody dispute with his wife, who worked at the salon.

It’s unclear whether she was a victim but a niece of salon owner Randy Fannin tells the Los Angeles Times that Fannin was among those killed.

A woman named Cindy who was getting her hair done by salon owner Randy Fannin told KNX radio that the gunman’s first target was his ex-wife.

“He shot his wife,” Cindy told KNX, adding that Michelle Dekraai had taken out a restraining order against him, fearing he might turn violent. “Then he pointed the gun at Randy. Then Randy turned around and then the man shot Randy and then I ran.”

Six people in total were killed almost immediately, authorities said. Two other shooting victims died on the way to the hospital and one was clinging to life. Several others escaped without injury.