Southern California Defense Blog

On August 3, 2010, a driver for an alcohol wholesaler went to work with a semiautomatic rifle and allegedly opened fire, killing eight. The driver shot and killed himself as police approached to subdue him.

The driver, Omar S. Thornton, 34, was a new employee at Hartford Distributors in Manchester, Connecticut. The Teamsters Union stated that, despite his recent employment, he had already been identified as a disciplinary problem. A law enforcement official stated that Thornton had been suspected of stealing from the company.

Thornton was scheduled to go to work that day to meet with the Teamsters Union to discuss his disciplinary issues. It is unclear whether the meeting took place, but one of the identified victims was a local Teamsters official. Another identified victim was a member of the family that founded Harvard Distributors.

In California, murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. (California Penal Code section 187(a).) Malice aforethought exists when there is a deliberate intent to cause great bodily injury or death, when the defendant acts with reckless disregard for human life, or when the death occurs during the commission of certain violent felonies. (California Penal Code sections 188, 189.) If the murder was done with premeditation and deliberation, it is first degree murder and punishable by death, life in prison without the possibility of parole, or 25 years to life in prison. (California Penal Code sections 189, 190.)

If you or someone you know has been accused of murder, manslaughter, or other criminal homicide, you will need an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney who will vigorously defend you against these serious charges. At Wallin & Klarich, we have helped people accused of a variety of crimes, including murder, for over 30 years. Call us at (888) 764-2615 or visit our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.