A homeless man in California, who was obstructing the path of a 68-year-old jogger by sleeping, unfortunately lost his life and the jogger has been charged with his death.
Earlier this week, Californian officials charged Craig Sumner Elliott for an incident that occurred on 28 September.
According to authorities, Elliott, who was jogging with two dogs and a pushcart, encountered a man sleeping on the pavement.
In an attempt to wake him up, Elliott nudged Antonio Garcia Avalos, resulting in the rough sleeper shouting at him.
The police report states that Elliott began recording Mr. Avalos, but things took a violent turn when he pulled out a handgun from his pushcart.
Footage captured by Elliott showed Mr. Avalos throwing a shoe at him, prompting Elliot to shoot the victim three times.
The Garden Grove police responded to the incident, which occurred approximately one mile west of Disneyland.
Sadly, the victim was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
Elliott, who was legally authorized to possess the firearm, was taken into custody on November 17th and has subsequently been accused of voluntary manslaughter and the additional charge of using a firearm for personal gain.
As confirmed by the Orange County District Attorney's Office, if Elliott is found guilty on all counts, he could potentially receive a prison sentence of up to 21 years.
"This is a tragic set of circumstances that unfolded in the worst possible way over a minor inconvenience of a blocked sidewalk, and a man is dead as a result," Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer expressed.
Spitzer firmly emphasized that this incident serves as a powerful reminder that resorting to vigilantism is never a solution, and individuals must face the repercussions of their actions.
Elliot, who has been granted bail, is expected to make a court appearance on 15 December, where he will enter his plea.
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