A GARDEN GROVE man is facing manslaughter charges in the killing of a homeless man (Shutterstock).
A charge of voluntary manslaughter has been lodged against a Garden Grove man in connection with the fatal shooting of a homeless man.
According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, Craig Sumner Elliott, 68, has also been charged with one felony enhancement of the personal use of a firearm. If convicted on all charges, he faces as many as 21 years in state prison.
The incident occurred on Sept. 28 at around 3 p.m. The DA’s office states that Elliot was jogging with his two dogs while pushing a pushcart in the 10400 block of Katella Avenue (between Brookhurst and Euclid streets).
Sleeping in the middle of the sidewalk was Antonio Garcia Avalos, 40. Elliot is accused of using his pushcart to “nudge” Avalos to awaken and clear the path.
But when Avalos came awake, he “began yelling at Elliot to get get away from him.”
Elliot allegedly started making a video recording of Avalos. then pulling a handgun from his handcart. Avalos threw a shoe at Elliott, who ducked and shot Avalos three times, fatally.
Elliot was arrested on Friday, Nov. 17 by GGPD officers. He was released from custody after posting $100,000 bail. His arraignment is set for Dec. 15 at the Stephen K. Tamura Justice Center in Westminster, Department W12.