Prosecutors from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office alleged that a jogger in California recorded himself killing a man who was in his way.
Prosecutors claim that Craig Sumner Elliot, 68, of Garden Grove, was out on the run on the afternoon of September 28 with two dogs and a pushcart. About two miles from Disneyland, in the 10400 block of Katella Avenue, Elliott is reported to have seen Antonio Garcia Avalos, 40, sleeping on the pavement across from his house.
In an effort to “wake Avalos up,” the prosecution claims Elliott then utilized his pushcart. Avalos “began screaming at Elliott to get away from him” in retaliation.
Elliott apparently started recording their conversation. Prosecutors saw a video that appeared to show that when Avalos tossed a shoe at Elliott, Elliott fired three shots in return. According to the district attorney’s office, Elliot possessed a concealed carry permit that was granted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated in a statement, “Undeniably, it is a tragedy that unfolded in the worst possible way over a minor inconvenience of a blocked sidewalk, and a man is dead as a result.”
Elliott was detained on November 17 on charges of voluntary manslaughter, but he was freed after posting his $100,000 bond. He must appear in court again on December 15 for his arraignment.
“There are repercussions for your actions, and this case serves as a stark reminder that fighting the law on your own is never the solution,” Spitzer stated.
