LANCASTER – A Lancaster man was charged Tuesday with killing a 27-year-old man with a hunting bow and arrow, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Garrett Taylor Adams, 23, faces one count of murder; and the complaint includes an allegation that Adams used a compound bow in the Aug. 23 killing of Charles Emmanuel Briggs.
Adams appeared in an Antelope Valley courtroom Tuesday afternoon, but his arraignment was postponed until Sept. 9, 2014.
The bow and arrow attack occurred around 3:27 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 23, outside a home in the 43000 block of 27th Street West in Lancaster.
Sheriff’s detectives said Adams was arguing with his girlfriend at the residence, when his brother and Briggs arrived and tried to intervene.
“The dispute continued outside onto the sidewalk, where [Adams] then armed himself with a hunting bow and arrow, shooting [Briggs] once in the upper torso,” Sheriff’s detectives said in a press statement.
Briggs was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Adams has remained in custody on $1 million bail since his arrest on Aug. 23. If convicted as charged, Adams faces 26 years to life in state prison.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
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UPDATED 9/9/14: The arraignment for Garrett Adams was postponed until Oct. 14, 2014. We will continue to follow this story.
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Previous related story: Man killed in bow and arrow attack ID’d, suspect arrested
Shane Adams says
Garrett is my brother. I hope the last time we spoke won’t be the last. I wish we where closer. I am a felon as well so I’m afraid I won’t be able to see him in person for 26 years If not longer. To my step sister my step mother and my brother if your reading this, I wish we had been closer and I’m berry sorry for these unfortunate events.
rafamendoza says
My name is Ralphy,I was his tattoo artist…I just recently got to know Garrett ,And one thing about him is that he was a good person..i met him throu a very good friend of mine..Im not saying what he did was right ,im sure this all could of been handled in a more mature maner,but it wasn’t..Was it all worth it? No…it wasnt ,im sure that if Garrett can take it all back ,he would…But unfortunatly it turn to the worst…now two lives our gone,and many broken hearts..its all in gods hands now……..Rafamendoza@818@gmail.com
RiseOfTheGuardians says
I do not know the suspect at all, and I am not here to judge nor condemn, but I do know Charles, and the Briggs family. I have been knowing them for over 15 years and it is very disheartening that this has happened. I am confused at how people can say the suspect was a good person, yadda yadda yadda. Then again, I do not know him personally, but what “kind-hearted” person uses a “bow and arrow” to kill another HUMAN? Some would call that “premeditated” murder. A compound bow is NOT your typical bow, just FYI. So my thought and opinion, the suspect DESERVES (respectfully)what charges he gets convicted of. I find it EXTREMELY hard to believe that this was a “simple” mistake, nothing simple about that. For whoever condemned Charles for intervening, it is NOT about being nosey; that is called compassion because that is how Charles was. it could probably come from the fact that he has younger and older sisters and has a “protective” spirit about him. I have a younger sister and at ANY given day, if another man was mistreating her I would want someone to intervene if I were not around. Some people cant help the fact they have a BIG HEART and with that comes caring, abundance of love, compassion, etc. Nobody deserves to be murdered, yet like one person stated, if the suspect is this “stand-up” guy you guys claim to know him as, he should accept his charges with his HEAD HELD HIGH and accept his responsibility. All in all, to the Briggs family, I love you guys. Like I told you before Charlynnae, Charles lives through you guys with all of lifes lessons he has taught you; and through the good AND bad times. I pray the suspects Mans up to his responsibility & accepts whats coming (because he will be convicted), finally, that the Briggs can forgive the suspect for his sensless and coward act. Forgiveness begins the road to recovery!
kerri says
I suppose if the shoe was on the other foot people would think Mr. Adams was a good person and Mr. Briggs was a monster/
Antoinette Duckett says
I had the privilege of meeting Charles Briggs when he was just a little boy and i’ve watched him grow to become a great man. He was one of the most kind hearted and loving men i’ve known. It is such a tragedy how he was murdered.He comes from from a exceptional family and he was raised to be a gentlemen.Everyone that knew Charles has the same report concerning his character. He will be greatly missed by those who love him, my continual prayers are with his parents and beautiful sisters
Danny says
Hope Adams gets what he’s got coming, compound bow come on what a nut job. Can’t say crime of passion he had plenty of time to think about the cause and effect.
Freddy says
A couple of thoughts: First, I don’t know the victim or the alleged perp. I’m an east-coaster and don’t have a dog in this fight. Second, I know the media loves to sensationalize the news–blood and guts sells.
With that in mind, it sure seems to me that the alleged perp is headed to the big house. Regardless of his character, he is alleged to have killed another person. I don’t get the sense this is in dispute. So, presuming that fact to be true, it is really only a matter of a prosecutor deciding what charge to pursue, and any defenses the perp might make. I would fully expect him to make a “self defense” argument, but that seems ludicrous with a bow and arrow killing.
I’m quite sure the perp is going to jail, and the unfortunate lesson we might all take from this is to not help a damsel in distress or help others in a time of need because the psycho boyfriend might kill you. As the parent of a daughter I pray she never gets involved with people like the perp. If this happened to someone in my family I would be looking for some payback. I don’t forgive this level of transgression against my family.
My condolences to the victim’s family–it seems as if he was punished for trying to do the right thing. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time. What a waste of a life.
5577 says
I grew up with the adams, i was close with there whole family. When i got wind of this, i had a feeling. The adams are the type of people you wanted to have around. They are good people. My heart goes out to his brother I know it cannot be easy for him loosing a brother and friend.
no name says
I did not know Charles but May he r.i.p
I did know Garrett personally. he was a good friend thought school. and he is a kind sweet person and this doesn’t sound like him at all. people make mistakes and we don’t know forsure what happen in that house that night. even though this was a big one and it’s horrible that a life was taken my heart goes out to Garrett and his family. the Adams family is an amazing family and I wish them the best trough this tragic event. as for the family of Charles my heart goes out to you as well and I am sorry for your loss.
wow your an idiot says
Your a [removed]. I hope he goes to jail for ever or just [removed]
none says
Your a smart one
Smart says
Smarter than you defending a kid who’s even assaulted cops in his past (removed)
none ya says
sometimes people need to mind their own business and they wont get killed or harmed second news report where someone intervenes with others problems and get killed for it smh mind your own business and just maybe you’ll see another day of light. just my opinion. palmdale and lancas = too many nosy neighbors
tom says
Look up sociopath and get diagnosed… you’re comment scares me.
adam says
you are just as sick as garrett, stay off this page you twisted maniac. someone lost their life and you have the nerve to get on here and make a negative comment you low life go get a brain you idiot. my deepest condolences to the Briggs family
Terrell says
your comment is ridiculous! if more people got involved and showed compassion for each other things like this could have been avoided! this couple fought constantly and were fighting all that day and yet no one called the police! And if more parents would take responsibility and teach there children right from wrong so much of this would not be happening so much in this entire country. I didn’t know Charles but my daughter knew Garrett casually and there is no excuse for what that boy did. It takes a lot longer to prepare a bow and arrow to shoot than to pull a trigger so, no it wasn’t self defense. Plus the girl involved was playing the boys against each other and is now claiming Garrett was abusive and had to leave several times before that day. Well… why didn’t she leave that day? I feel she should be charged as an accessory! The whole thing makes me sick and yes, two families have been destroyed because I have heard prior to this that the Adams boys come from a good family and imagine what Garrett’s twin is going through with losing a friend and his brother being a murderer. And as someone stated earlier this was not the crowd Charles had run with most of his life, but the other twin is a good kid. Don’t judge the entire family!
curious says
I’m just wondering where you read or heard that Garretts girlfriend is claiming he is abusive?
Sa says
What an ignorant comment. I wonder if you were in danger and you needed help and your neighbors heard or saw something you would tell them to mind their own.
anonymous says
Charles lived next door to us for a while, he was always really nice to us. So sad that this happened to him, he was so young :-( I’ll be praying for his family, rest in paradise friend!
Michelle Moorr says
Such a sad case. My Dad and Mom moved there over 3o years ago take or give a little to give me a better life. I Gradutuated from Quartz Hill High School. Raised my family in Agua Dulce. I was in shock when I was at work at my Mother told me what happened on their street. I now want to build a guest house on my land for my Dad and Mom. What a shame that he lost his life trying to help. I am a nurse. I would be dead already. The next day after all that had happened. I picked my Mom up. I ask one thing of the police and fire department could you please clean up all the blood. For the sake if the neighborhood and the desesed of the young man and his family? Maybe you are immuned to it? Treat each case with respect. Thank You in Adavace. To the family I would only want done if I was to lose my Son. Love and Prayers.
NM says
Where was a neighbor with a gun? I don’t know when a better time would be to use those second amendment right we so very rarely use. One person being armed could have prevented any lives or atleast only the life of a maniac to be lost.
Linzy says
This is unbelievably heart breaking. On both parts. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Charles and I have been praying for his family everyday. I pray that they’re staying strong and leaning on our Lord and that’s he’s cradling them. I am also praying for Garret’s family. This permanent situation has FOREVER changed these two families lives.
There’s no room on here for negative opinions and people should focus on just sending prayers the families way. Please don’t make this situation worse by being hurtful.
Gino Anaya says
I have known this young man for the better part of seven years. I have never been close to him, but I am close to some of his friends. I have had the pleasure of interacting with him on several occasions, enough to feel comfortable making a judgement on his character. Charles was always smiling and always greeted my wife and I as if we were long time friends. He never did or said anything that I witnessed that would make me second guess his character. His friends loved him as if they were related by blood. His “family” where I work got to know him and everyone has always thought highly of him. It is very unfortunate that we lost him. Senseless violence. I strongly believe Garrett needs to be held accountable for his actions to continue sending the message that actions like these will not be tolerated regardless of intent or character. All personal emotions aside One man killed another unarmed man with a bow and arrow. This death was not quick and painless. He and any other party involved in this situation need to be held accountable in the same way any of us would want them to. On one last note to those on here defending Garrett, what would you ask from the public, and prosecutors if the shoe was on the other foot? The community has suffered the loss of two of its children. I know those of you that are close to Garrett want to do everything you can to convince everyone else on here dragging his name through the mud that he is anything but the negative things being said, but actions speak far louder then words. In this case there are no amount of words will change public opinion. With that being said he is still alive to accept the consequences of his actions and prove to everyone around him that he is responsible and a decent human being. His actions do not represent those that new him either. All the name calling and blame gaming will do nothing but provoke more violence and distrust within our community. There has been enough of that. if you know either of the two involved wish or pray or do what ever it is you need to in order to move on peacefully with the rest of your lives, but let’s stop fighting. That is how all of this began. I will not be one to condemn Garrett by acting as my own judge, jury, and executioner but I would like to see the facts and if Garrett is found guilty of what he has been accused of, I would like to see him hold his head high and accept the responsibility of his actions like the man so many on here are portraying him as.
Charlynnae Briggs says
Thank you Gino. I thought good men who come from good families learn not to kill people. That’s what my parents taught Charles. I’m Charles little sister, and my blood is boiling at sine of these comments even hinting at the indication that my brother deserved this. No one knows the real story, no one on this post was probably at the incident that night but a good family usually doesn’t allow one of their members to shoot someone with a bow and arrow.
sad says
First my condolences to you and your family. And you are right no one knows what lead up to this senseless death. I don’t believe anyone including his family are trying to justify the death of your brother. Im sure you love your family unconditionaly you may not like or agree with the actions they choose to make but you still love them. I’m sure Adams family feels the same way and that does not mean they think its “OK” your brother was killed. As an outsider I try and put myself in both families shoes, I would feel anger, hurt, sadness wondering how could this happen. I’m sure both families have these feelings. I really hope both families can be respectful to one another as this will be hard for both. And those not involved can be respectful and not be the judge, jury and executioner. I pray that both families can be healed from this tragic situation.
Cory says
I was just sent this article by a family member. I am livid with all of the senseless violence! Charles Briggs was my cousin.
Tom says
Two men Practically dead over some Chick. It’s a big weekend she should have a date by Friday
PW says
God bless Charles Briggs and his family. This is such a horrible tragedy as one individual is dead, his family and friends are grieving, and he was such a handsome young man. He was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, and trying to protect a young lady from an abusive situation. Rest in peace Charles!!
realman says
You need to shut the [removed] Up TOM The GIRL With BEAT I’ll DON’T Think She’ll be dating ANYTIME
Steve says
What article or news release says that the girl was beat they were arguing nowhere does it say she was being beat
jennifer says
My thoughts a prayers go out to both families. I will not jump to any conclusions without knowing the facts. The media does not speak the truth. It is not my job to judge.
sierrahwy says
beware of the scared little boys
jennifer says
What is this comment suppose to mean?
nick says
That the murderer your defending was a pansy! Dummy
jennifer says
I don’t believe I am defending anyone, but making threats is uncalled for.
Truelove88 says
I’m also just assuming something must have been “involved” as i was not there i an just going off of what i have seen in the news…but i do know Garrett personally and he is a Good kind person and he comes from a nice family also with there share of recent hard times so i just hope God Watches over both families through these hard tragic times
trose says
Perfectly said.
Daniel says
I hope I never meet a good, kind person like Garrett. I like living too much!
trose says
Definitely not saying anything he did was right, nor justified just cuz he was a “good person”. Although he does have a very nice family and something like this was very out of character, as far as what I knew of Garrett. It’s very sad. More so for the man who lost his life, and my payers go out to his family. It’s so unfortunate for a young man to loose his life over something so preventable.
anonymous says
I’ve personally been in a fight with this pathetic loser when he was hammered drunk and on drugs because he couldn’t control himself, its perfectly in Charector for this psycho!
Yuuuuup says
Might have seen Garrett around at the bars! He’s always coked out and looking for problems! He is scum and deserves to spend the rest of his days behind bars! Him and his nuts brother are both scum!
Yo says
Exactly Daniel! I don’t know why people are ok with defending a monster! Bottom line is Garrett is a murderer and a man who was trying to help got killed. Lets all focus on sending thoughts and prayers to Charles family. Garrett needs to die exactly how he took someone else’s life. It’s a shame how people feel bad for such a monster! He’s lucky he didn’t touch my child!!! MONSTER!!!!
your wrong says
Its horrible a man died and my condolences to his family. Does anyone know what happened inside of the house? I don’t see any where it saying he was beating up his girlfriend? Or has any of the whiteness spoke? I mean all we hear is Mr. Adams was arguing with his girlfriend and Mr. Briggs stepped in?? It really sounds like something is missing.
Amy says
Regardless of what “hard times” him and his family went thru doesn’t give him the right or justify taking someone’s life. We are all guilty of stepping out of line under stress and bad circumstances, but the line has to be drawn somewhere. And being “intoxicated” or “drunk” has NEVER been a valid excuse in my book. He is a killer. A murderer. He took a friend brothers sons life from people who loved him. Lets NOT male excuses for him.
Charlynnae Briggs says
Thank you Amy for being so sound-minded. Regardless of who this man is, people are now talking about my brother in past tense.
Jared says
You will get the chair Garrett, prepare to burn you piece of trash.
Crystal C. says
Just another sad tragic example of the way this generation now a days reacts to a moment of drunken weakness everyone makes mistakes and it just is heart breaking that two great friends came to such a Gruesome ending guys fight with their “homies”all the time and Garrett was a good guy I’ve known him for five years he’s not a cold blooded killer!=/ people of this generation make rash decisions and it’s unfortunate and heart breaking and forever life changing for two families that in a moment of alcohol induced anger two lives were lost no matter how you look at it. God bless the victim and his loved ones and family may they find peace and God put their hearts at Ease and as for garret I hope he makes peace with God and one day himself and God please give his famil the strength survive this tragic and heartbreaking next chapter of their lives.
anonymous says
You’re a Moron. Let’s see your kid get killed and see if you say the same thing. Grow up and see reality for what it really is!
Chair says
California does not use the electric chair. We use lethal injection.
There is no hell so burning will not occur unless the drug mixture was incorrect then his veins will feel like they are burning.
Alan says
Like you said this is California, but he will not see a death sentence carried out. California will put the burden of providing shelter, food, and health care for him on its citizens. I’m glad I work so hard so my tax dollars can keep people like this alive. Thanks commiefornia.
Karl Marx says
Ummm, you do know that it cost more tax dollars to sentence someone to death than it does to keep them in prison for life, right? Do some research, your ignorance is scary.
Terrell says
Thank You Karl Marx! I didn’t think anyone else say that but me!
kristie says
Really do you know the facts of this case! NO! There is two sides to every story.
Andie says
Really? Defending a murderer? It doesn’t matter what his side of the story is, HE KILLED SOMEONE.
I says
Kristie, Kristie, Kristie!!! You, honey must not be a mother!!! When you become a mother and someone kills your child for trying to help. Come back on this site and comment again!! You must be screwed up in the head lil girl. A man died because a crazy lunatic! My thoughts are with the Briggs family! My heart goes out to you! Garrett may you suffer many, many years!
kristie says
I am a mother! And not screwed up in the head! Yes a man died and like i have said before my condolences to the Briggs family. I also it is not my job to be the judge, jury and the executioner!
Really!? says
I doubt that you know the two sides of the story as well and what possibly could be the other side of the story that you are inferring to since one person is dead and cannot speak for himself!?…From all the stories I have read…the two sides of the story have been clearly reported…After a heated argument with his girlfriend and an attempted intervention between Mr. Adam’s brother and friend…Garrett Taylor Adams picked up and armed himself with a lethal hunter’s bow and arrow and brutally struck Charles Emmanuel Briggs in the chest killing him…Mr. Adams now sits in jail awaiting trial for murder as he should…Check out Mr. Adams behavior on the KTLA website the night of his arrest (very charming…right!?…vulgarity and all) People need to start taking responsibility for their actions and quit blaming others!…end of story…My Condolences to the family of Charles Briggs.
kristie says
You can’t believe everything that the media reports.
Jason says
So enlighten us on the facts kristie
See says
Well said! My heart goes out to the Briggs Family! May Charles rest in peace!
I says
Well said, my heart goes out to the Briggs family! May you rest in peace Charles. Garrett needs to rot in jail!!!
Dense says
I see no markings on this POS in the picture. Charles had no weapon. POS shot him with a bow and arrow. Tell me what I am missing you tool.
Daniel says
The two sides to this story is: one person is dead and another person is living. What if it were the other way around and Garrett was dead. Would you still be so sympathetic to the issue? Briggs look like a decent person in the pic above and from what we see so far, Taylor is a KILLER!!!
kristie says
I am sympathetic, I feel for the Briggs family. All I am saying is the public does not know what happened in that house. Everyone is just going off what is put out there by the media. Just remember that both of these men have family that loves them.
You says
I’m sure whatever was going on in that house doesn’t make it ok for someone to loose their life unless there was further investigation. (Drugs, sex and alcohol) doesn’t make it ok for someone to loose their life. Charles Briggs May you rest in peace. God needed another Angel
none says
way to harsh. Garrett is a sweet young man. people do wrong in this world doesn’t mean we should loose two lives over this tragedy.
concerned says
You cannot say that Garrett is a sweet man. You WILL NEVER know what is in another persons mind and heart, even if you have known them for years. There are things about people that YOU WILL NEVER KNOW.. There is OBVIOUSLY something wrong with this man, thinking it’s okay to take ANOTHER HUMAN BEINGS LIFE!… Nothing makes that okay… For the people that know him, ho can you defend someone like this, there is obviously something wrong with this guy! Not only was he disrespecting a lady, HE MURDERED ANOTHER HUMAN BEING!!! He is SICK IN THE HEAD!!! I am sure that if Garrett MURDERED YOUR CHILD, you would have something different to say… Garrett will get what he deserves here on earth, NO ONE can escape God’s justice…
Rip Charles says
Absolutely right Concerned. There was no reason at all Charles deserved to die that night from a crazy murderer! May you get a lot of punishment in jail for what you have done Garrett!!! I heard some stories about pretty boys in jail. RIP Charles!
You gotta be kitten me! says
Are you freaking kidding me?!?!? A sweet young man, my A**!!! So sweet he killed an innocent man!!! Garrett will be really sweet for some men in jail and that’s the only sweet he will be!! Jail bait!
Amy says
Charles was one of the most genuine people I have met. He was so sweet and so funny and so easy to be around. RIP Charles. You will be missed
Concerned Resident says
What the heck ever happened to neighbors calling in a domestic disturbance? What about self control? Emotional self management? or call the cops for help? Seriously folks….more and more it seems like a whole generation of young adults solve their problems with violence and an argument ends up deadly. This is very very sad. A permanent solution to a temporary problem. May God save us all from this kind of insanity.
Kristina says
Unfortunately in todays society people think if they turn a blind shoulder that they will not be affected. they don’t want to get involved. but on the other hand perhaps someone did call in the domestic disturbance but it takes cops anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to even answer these calls. a lot can happen in that time. its sad all around
Mark says
‘calling in a domestic disturbance’ think twice about that too. It often ends in the cops legally murdering someone.
rooney says
Such a stupid waste of two lives. Tempers flare and no control. Why oh why?
Charles, may you rest in peace and may God give your family strength.
Garrett, may God have mercy on you and may he give your family strength.
His sister in Christ says
Dear, sweet Charles is at peace in the arms of the Lord. Please, please pray for his parents and sisters.
Melinda Luckett-Everett says
I have known this family for about fifteen years. Charles was an exceptional young man and an incredible human being. He grew up in a home with two loving, caring and supportive parents. He was the only boy. He was the proud brother of three sisters whom he cherished. His parents have a legacy of good works. I had the pleasure of being a youth leader for Charles and he was always helpful, respectful and considerate. RIP Charles you will be deeply missed. Love you.