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Man gets 26 to life for Lancaster bow and arrow murder

by The AV Times Staff • August 24, 2017

Garrett Taylor Adams, Charles Briggs

LANCASTER – A 26-year-old Lancaster man was sentenced Thursday to 26 years to life in state prison for using a hunting bow and arrow to kill a man in 2014.

Garrett Taylor Adams was convicted in May 22 of first-degree murder for the Aug. 23, 2014, killing of 27-year-old Charles Briggs of Lancaster.

Adams was arguing with his then-girlfriend at a home in the 43000 block of 27th Street West when his brother and Briggs arrived, and Briggs tried to intervene, authorities said shortly after the killing.

Adams went back inside his house, retrieved a compound bow and razor-tipped broadhead hunting arrow and struck Briggs in the chest, according to the prosecution’s sentencing memorandum.

“Briggs can be heard screaming on a recorded video of the incident that was captured by a party-goer at a neighbor’s house. Defendant is heard on the video to utter the words, `That’s what you get, homey’ and `I should shoot with you with my gun, homey,’ and can be seen moving in the opposite direction from the victim,” according to the sentencing memorandum.

The unarmed victim [Briggs] walked southbound on 27th Street, collapsed some distance away and died at a hospital about six hours later, according to the prosecution.

“Defendant was outside his own home, some distance away, staring down an unarmed man while armed with a deadly weapon and under no immediate threat from the victim,” according to the prosecution’s sentencing memorandum.

Adams’ attorney, Steve Meister, countered, “It was an accident.”

Meister contended that Adams armed himself in self-defense and “accidentally released the arrow.”

Meister said he objected to the prosecution’s request to instruct jurors on the theory of felony murder under which his client was convicted, with jurors rejecting the prosecution’s other theory — premeditated murder.

“He (the judge) should not have allowed the jury to consider the felony murder-mayhem theory. That’s going to be the basis for Mr. Adams’ appeal,” the defense attorney said.

Adams — who surrendered to the first patrol car to arrive at the scene — was acquitted of charges stemming from the alleged early morning run-in with his then-girlfriend, Meister said.

In an interview with The AV Times in 2014, grieving family members described Briggs as a loving son and brother who protected the women in his family.

“I raised him to take care of his sisters, and any injustice that he saw, he would speak up…” said Briggs’ father, Charlie.

Editor’s note: Earlier story updated to include additional details from City News Service.

Previous related stories:

Man convicted of first-degree murder in bow-and-arrow killing

Man ordered to trial in Lancaster bow and arrow killing

Man pleads not guilty in Lancaster bow and arrow killing

Loved ones remember man slain with bow and arrow

Lancaster man charged with bow-and-arrow murder

Man killed in bow and arrow attack ID’d, suspect arrested

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Filed Under: Crime/ Safety, Lancaster

2 comments for "Man gets 26 to life for Lancaster bow and arrow murder"

  1. Yamilet B says

    August 29, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    It is the saddest news to hear that Charles was only trying to help and protect that because of doing so he had to suffer at the hands of an apathetic man. I’m am so glad that after along battle justice has been established for the Briggs family. So sorry to hear the loss of a good man! My thoughts and prayers are with the family . The journey ahead will be long and hard, but stay strong in your endeavor to continue on. That God the Almighty may grant you strength, endurance, comfort and peace “so you may abound in hope through the Holy Spirit.” (Ro.15:13) Treasuring his great accomplishments in your hearts and minds that it may carry you through these difficult moments

  2. Robert, K. Riedl, II, PhD (Retired) says

    August 28, 2017 at 8:40 am

    On behalf of the Riedl family I offer my deepest condolences to Charley Briggs family on his death, I’m deeply saddened by the behavior and words of the friends, family, and assorted red necks, bigots, and in my experience a sadly demised family and while I say no more about them. On behalf of Robert K. Riedl I, and my mother Mrs. Jean W. Riedl, my sister Lynne Riedl Fjeld, now all deceased. I know how I was raised and know deeply who they are and what they believed about all men regardless color, belief, or race they we are all the same were created equally by God the Father, God the Son, and His Spirit. So please humbly accept my apology. I pray and know families grieve, heal, but they never forget and sadly are never the same.””

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