GARDEN GROVE, CA – A Southern California man allegedly involved in a deadly shooting of a homeless man has been slapped with a felony voluntary manslaughter charge. Prosecutors confirmed the indictment of 68-year-old Craig Sumner Elliott, implicating him in the September 28 incident that unfolded in Garden Grove.
Elliott crossed paths with 40-year-old Antonio Garcia Avalos, who was sleeping on the sidewalk, blocking the former’s jogging path. A conflict arose after Elliott physically nudged Avalos with his pushcart, resulting in Avalos’s retaliatory action of throwing a shoe at him. In response, Elliott allegedly drew a gun from his pushcart and fired three rounds.
Following the afternoon confrontation near Disneyland, Avalos was promptly transported to a hospital by Garden Grove police but succumbed to his injuries. Elliott was arrested on a warrant on Friday, and released after posting a $100,000 bail, prosecutors revealed.
Elliott’s charges include a single felony enhancement of personal use of a firearm, potentially lengthening his sentence if he’s found guilty. Notably, Elliott held an active “concealed carry,” meaning he was legally permitted to carry hidden firearms.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which reportedly issued Elliott’s permit, has yet to respond to requests for comments. At present, it remains unknown whether Elliott has secured legal representation in this case. He might face a 21-year state prison sentence if convicted, as stated by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer emphasized the takeaway from the incident, stating, “This case is a stark reminder that taking the law into your own hands is never the answer and that there are consequences for your actions.”