LANCASTER – A 24-year-old Lancaster man accused of using a hunting bow and arrow to kill a man who tried to intervene in a boyfriend-girlfriend argument has pleaded not guilty.
Garrett Taylor Adams pleaded not guilty Thursday to one count of murder in connection with the death of Charles Briggs, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. The complaint includes an allegation that Adams used a compound bow in the killing.
A preliminary hearing was set for April 6 at Antelope Valley courthouse to determine if there is enough evidence to require Adams to stand trial, according to Santiago.
The alleged bow and arrow killing occurred around 3:27 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014, 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 spilled outside onto the sidewalk, detectives said, and then Adams allegedly armed himself with a hunting bow and arrow and shot Briggs in the upper torso.
Briggs was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Adams has remained in custody on $1 million bail since his Aug. 23 arrest. If convicted as charged, Adams faces 26 years to life in state prison.
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Loved ones remember man slain with bow and arrow
tim says
The A V. Times should get there facts straight before posting a story!!
sarah says
It is very sad that a person lost his life. But I also believ there was reason he felt threatened and had to protect himself. No one know why or how this happened but those directly involved. You here bits and pieces of what the media puts out and majority is here say! Of course people are going to say how great the man was that lost his life and what a joy he was. That’s normal when a loved one is lost, but I also know this man had another side to him. And hopefully the truth will be told. I hope the Briggs family can find piece. As well as I hope the Adams family can do the same.
Disgusted Biological Sister says
So Sarah, please enlighten me on what “side” you knew of my brother Charles. I guess that’s why Garrett was first arguing with his girlfriend, because he felt safe attacking a girl. There’s no reason to return to an altercation (with a bow and arrow) if a person feels “threatened and a need to protect themselves.” Common sense would have kept him in the house if he felt insecure about his safety. Isn’t that what the police are for, to protect and serve? He could’ve called the cops. That sounds more reasonable than deciding to take someone’s life. Your comment displays your lack of compassion and intelligence, so please do NOT make uneducated guesses at my brother’s character, since thinking isn’t one of your best skill sets (clearly, spelling isn’t either). My brother was a great man who was loved by everyone around him. I am confident that the truth will be told and a positive light will continue to shine on my brother’s legacy, but one thing my family DOES NOT need is your false hope that we will find “peace” in a murder that you are insinuating is justified.
living in truth says
Yes the true facts of the case will present themselves and your ideas that the defendant felt threatened by the victim will come to light. That is his story to try and get out of being found guilty of the crime he did. He killed the victim in cold blood. This story of feeling threatened by the victim is just that a story NOT truth. And the Briggs family will find peace when Charles’ killer is found guilty.
Troy Aiken says
Dude watched too much Walking Dead.
Mark says
Why is it so easy to take a life? I truly hope the Briggs family finds peace, and the system will find justice.
anotherdummy says
I had the privilege of teaching Charles while he went to school at UAV. He was such a bright young man with a great attitude. I certainly hope justice is served in this case. He left behind many loved ones.
Cali Palmdale says
Not Guilty yeah fight it so jury finds you guilty and you can get even more time you are one Dum+ A++ but your better off in jail who knows who else you had hurt before and never got caught.
Cali Palmdale says
Not Guilty cool take it to trail so you can get screwed even better are you dumb yeah you must be how can you plead not guilty when you know you did it and all evidence shows you did it… Stupid people do stupid thing and then the claim they are not guilty but your better of there who knows who else you had hurt in the past and dint get cought.
heather says
Wow are you the DA? All the evidence shows he did it ? You must watch too much TV!