In Garden Grove, California, a 68-year-old man has been charged with felony voluntary manslaughter after fatally shooting a homeless man who was blocking his jogging path.
On September 28, 2023, Craig Sumner Elliott was jogging with two dogs and a pushcart when he encountered 40-year-old Antonio Garcia Avalos, who was asleep in the middle of the sidewalk.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, a confrontation ensued after Elliott nudged Avalos with the pushcart, leading the man to throw a shoe at Elliott. In response, Elliott retrieved a gun from his pushcart and fired three shots, fatally wounding the homeless man. All the while, the suspect was capturing the incident on video.
The Garden Grove Police Department responded to the scene of the incident, which occurred approximately one mile west of Disneyland. Avalos was transported to a hospital but died from his injuries.
Following the incident, Elliott was arrested on a warrant and later released after posting a $100,000 bail.
Legal repercussions loom for Elliott, the bearer of a lawful concealed carry license from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, should a conviction occur.
The District Attorney’s Office has indicated that Elliott could face a 21-year state prison sentence if convicted. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer stated that taking the law into one’s own hands is never the solution and that actions have consequences.
This case comes at a time when California is grappling with a significant homeless crisis. Despite efforts by state leaders and substantial spending to alleviate the issue, homelessness remains a significant challenge in the region, exacerbated by a shortage of affordable housing, high living costs, and ongoing mental health and substance issues.
Elliott is expected to appear in court on December 15, 2023.
